Connections between Roundup and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Studies and Insights
In the realm of health and agriculture, one chemical has sparked much debate – glyphosate. This herbicide, often found in popular weed killers like Roundup, Glifonox, Rodeo, Weedoff, and Bronco, is a crucial tool in the production of various crops, including nuts, vegetables, fruits, and glyphosate-resistant ones such as soybeans and corn. However, its use has been under scrutiny due to potential links to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
A study from 2021 found that certain outbreaks of animal and plant diseases were associated with a buildup of glyphosate in the environment, adding fuel to the debate. Similarly, a meta-analysis from 2019 suggested that high levels of glyphosate exposure may increase a person's risk of developing NHL, but with caution due to differences between the studies included.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic," linking it to NHL based on epidemiological studies. This classification underpins lawsuits and regulatory concerns globally. Several epidemiological studies, such as the Swedish study and large American and Canadian studies, have found associations between glyphosate exposure and increased NHL risk, including evidence of dose-response relationships.
However, the link between glyphosate and NHL remains controversial and divided. The Ramazzini Institute's 2025 two-year animal study reported increased rates of benign and malignant tumors, including leukemia (a lymphatic cancer related to NHL), in rats exposed to glyphosate, even at doses considered safe by EU standards. This study suggests co-formulants in herbicides could amplify carcinogenic effects.
Despite such findings, some researchers criticize the Ramazzini study's methodology and interpretation, indicating no clear progression from benign tumors to carcinomas or consistent dose-response trends. One viewpoint argues there is no credible evidence glyphosate exposure increases lymphoma rates based on their review of available data, highlighting the complexity and conflicting results within the scientific community.
Monsanto (now Bayer) and its supporters continue to deny glyphosate causes NHL and have settled lawsuits to avoid trial verdicts. Meanwhile, numerous lawsuits (over 8,000) allege glyphosate exposure caused NHL, resulting in large verdicts upheld by courts.
Symptoms of NHL may include painless swelling in the lymph nodes (groin, neck, armpit), fatigue, chills, abdominal pain, cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, abdominal bloating, feeling full quickly, chest pain or pressure, frequent or severe infections, bruising or bleeding easily, itchy skin, unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, loss of appetite, enlargement of the liver or spleen, skin rashes or lumps, unintentional weight loss of body weight over 6 months.
While the current scientific consensus on the link between glyphosate and NHL remains uncertain, it is essential to note that the EPA found that glyphosate poses no risk to people when used according to the label and is not likely to cause cancer in humans. However, the EPA states that it may pose ecological risks to aquatic and terrestrial plants, birds, mammals, and honeybees.
If a person is concerned about using weed killers containing glyphosate, they may prefer alternatives such as homemade organic weed killers (boiling water, lemon juice, salt water), covering the soil in a layer of mulch, or using glyphosate-free weed killers. Further research is necessary to definitively determine the effects of glyphosate on NHL risk.
For more in-depth resources and research-backed information on the environment and health, visiting a dedicated hub can be beneficial. The debate surrounding glyphosate and NHL continues to fuel litigation and regulatory scrutiny worldwide, underscoring the importance of ongoing research and open dialogue in this complex field.
- The link between other lymphomas, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and the use of glyphosate in weed killers like Roundup and Glifonox has sparked debate in the realms of health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, and science, with some studies suggesting high levels of exposure may increase the risk.
- The controversial nature of the glyphosate-NHL connection is evident in the divided opinions of researchers, with the Ramazzini Institute's 2025 study reporting increased rates of tumors in rats, but others criticizing the study's methodology and finding no clear progression from benign tumors to carcinomas.
- Ongoing legal battles also underscore this controversy, with thousands of lawsuits alleging that glyphosate exposure caused NHL, while companies like Monsanto (now Bayer) deny the claim and settle lawsuits to avoid trial verdicts. In the meantime, individuals concerned about the potential risks might opt for alternatives like organic or glyphosate-free weed killers, mulch, or boiling water solutions for resourceful weed control.
