Representation for People Injured by Dangerous Chemicals
Glyphosate, which is found in Roundup and hundreds of other herbicides on the market, is one of the most studied and controversial chemicals in the world. There is evidence on both sides, but at the end of the day, all that matters is whether or not you have been injured due to dangerous exposure to glyphosate. Excessive exposure, especially for agricultural workers, may cause cancer.
How can you know if you have been exposed to dangerous levels of glyphosate? It typically requires medical testing, analysis of serious illnesses you are suffering from, and evaluation of your overall lifestyle. Most people have not been exposed to what would be considered a "dangerous" amount of glyphosate, but if you have concerns then you should take action. If you or a loved one may have been injured by glyphosate, then call us at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, at (212) 986-7353 to discuss your New York City product liability case.
What Is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is an herbicide found in hundreds of products designed to kill plants, including the popular weed-killer Roundup. It was introduced in the U.S. in 1974 and is one of the most widely used herbicides available on the market. Glyphosate works by preventing plants from making certain proteins that they need to grow, which kills them, and it works on most plants rather than being selective. It is often used to clear fields of unwanted vegetation before growing crops.
Is Glyphosate Dangerous?
This is one of the most hotly debated questions in the field of chemical safety and the topic of GMO safety in our foods. There is no simple, clear answer to this question. Very high quantities of glyphosate are typically required for it to be dangerous to humans, though research has definitely shown it can be harmful to lab rats.
Thankfully, these high exposure amounts are unlikely for most people. In general, those most likely to be at risk of harm from glyphosate are people who work in agriculture, since they are more commonly around it. It can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, though once on a plant it is unlikely to vaporize and may be absorbed inside, lingering in the ground.
Possible Illnesses Associated with Glyphosate
In lab testing, there is some indication that at very high levels of exposure, glyphosate may be carcinogenic and cause cancer. Some research has also shown that high exposure during pregnancy can cause birth defects and other issues in lab rats.Immediate responses to ingestion or inhalation of glyphosate include vomiting and diarrhea, and it can cause skin irritation. In high doses it can also be lethal, though this seems to have only occurred in select cases of intentional ingestion. Many people are concerned about long-term exposure through numerous sources; for example, eating multiple vegetables and fruits that have been exposed to glyphosate which leads to a cumulative effect, potentially like mercury poisoning from seafood.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Yes, you certainly need an experienced attorney if you are interested in pursuing a civil claim against a manufacturer or user of glyphosate. There is so much research and data regarding this chemical that sifting through it can be overwhelming. An experienced New York City dangerous chemical lawyer by your side can help you understand what has happened to you and fight to prove who is liable.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to exposure to a dangerous chemical in NYC, call us at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, right now at (212) 986-7353.