The weedkiller Roundup is one of the biggest threats globally and is also one of the best kept secrets from the public. While evidence has shown that it causes cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, continues to deny this dangerous truth. Here are some things that you should know.
According to the American Cancer Society, each year approximately 72,240 people will be diagnosed with NHL and about 20,140 people will die from this cancer (both adults and children).Cancer is when sick cells in the body start to multiply uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can crowd out normal cells and usually clump together causing tumors which hinder normal body function. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (which you may also see as non-Hodgkin lymphoma or just lymphoma) is a type of cancer involving white blood cells called “lymphocytes” that help with the body’s immune system. Lymph tissue cells are found in many parts of the body (such as the digestive tract, spleen and bone marrow) to drain fluids and waste and fight against germs and infections. If left undiagnosed or untreated, NHL can cause respiratory failure and hemorrhages (internal bleeding) or even death. The most common cause of death associated with NHL is the result of complications from an infection.Currently, there are over 800 cancer patients (most have NHL) who are suing Monsanto because they believe exposure to Roundup caused them to suffer from this debilitating disease. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry is still working on researching the extent of the damages linked to Roundup.
One of Roundup’s key ingredients is glyphosate which the World Health Organization calls “probably carcinogenic”. While Monsanto has conducted studies that say that their products do not cause cancer, independent studies have repeatedly shown clear links between Roundup and cancer:
What’s terrifying is that Roundup is used in more than 160 countries. Over 1.4 billion pounds glyphosate is applied to gardens, farmlands, golf courses and other public and private spaces each year. Almost 100% of soy, cotton and corn grown in the U.S. is treated with this chemical and it was found in 70% of rain samples in 38 states. In fact, these countries have completely banned the use of Roundup: Malta, Sri Lanka, The Netherlands, and Argentina while many other countries have limited its use in public spaces. Hopefully, the U.S. will one day follow suit.
