The Dangers of Roundup: A Guide to Safer Lawn Care

Spring has arrived, and many Americans are getting ready for gardening season. As gardeners prepare to tackle tough weeds and invasive bugs, there is one product that they should avoid at all costs: Roundup. This weed killer contains glyphosate, a harmful chemical that can cause cancer and have other adverse effects on human health.

What is Roundup?

Roundup is a popular weed killer that initially hit the market in 1974. It was designed and manufactured by Monsanto, which was the largest producer of genetically engineered seeds worldwide in 2003. Roundup was created to kill weeds when sprayed on lawns, and later, Monsanto developed Roundup-Ready crops like soybeans and corn that are resistant to glyphosate, allowing farmers to control weeds without killing off their crops.

The Dangers of Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a genotoxic chemical that binds directly to a person’s DNA and has been found to be “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the World Health Organization. Multiple studies have found that glyphosate exposure can lead to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other adverse effects on health.

The Legal Battles over Roundup

Many lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto since Roundup hit the market, with plaintiffs alleging that Roundup caused their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In 2020, a California jury awarded $332 million dollars to a man named Mike Dennis who claimed he developed a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma after years of using Roundup. In that same year, Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, agreed to pay up to $10.9 billion to settle 125,000 claims. There are still more cases set to go to trial against Monsanto in the future.

Safe Alternatives to Roundup

Fortunately, there are several organic and non-glyphosate alternatives to using Roundup. These alternatives include mulching, pouring boiling water over adult plants, using iron-based herbicides, vinegar, and essential oil-based herbicides. These alternatives are safer for the environment and less likely to leave behind residues in soil or water.

Taking Steps to Protect Your Health

If you are a gardener, it is essential to protect your health from harmful chemicals like glyphosate. Be mindful of the products you use on your lawn and opt for organic alternatives whenever possible. Also, make sure your dog isn’t eating grass from strangers’ lawns during your daily walks as you never know what that grass is being treated with.

Remember, your health and well-being are more important than the presence of any weeds in your lawn. Take steps to prioritize your health by using safe alternatives to Roundup and embracing methods like weed-pulling and organic mulching.

Originally Post From https://www.yourtango.com/self/catastrophic-injury-attorney-shares-common-household-product-never-use

Catastrophic Injury Attorney Reveals Dangerous Household Product to Avoid