Lawyers in the U.S. target Roundup in cancer test case
Lawyers in the United States are circling around a new study that suggests there is evidence that the main ingredient in Roundup causes cancer.
The finding comes from a sub-group of the World Health Organization. The study suggested that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic to humans."
Michael McDivitt, a lawyer in Colorado, has already lined up dozens of farmers who are sick.
"We feel that Monsanto has known for years that the glyphosate was carcinogenic to humans," McDivitt told CBC Radio in Saskatchewan.
Roundup, however, has a long history of use, and when asked what he would say to all the farmers around the world who have used the chemical with no ill effects, McDivitt answered simply, "they are very fortunate."
He then added "The ones that do have problems are the ones we need to help out, the ones that do have cancer."
McDivitt is running a test case in California. If it is successful, the lawyer believes it will lead to much bigger claims against Monsanto.
The company offered a different view.
Monsanto vows to fight
"We don't think this case has any merit at all," said Monsanto's Trish Jordan.
According to Jordan, there is an overwhelming body of evidence that suggests glyphosate is safe if used according to the directions. She scoffed at McDivitt's suggestion that those studies were bought and paid for by Monsanto, and argues that regulatory agencies from around the world have conducted their own studies confirming the safety of Roundup.
"Farmers rely on it because it's got a very good environmental profile and because it is safe," said Jordan.
She said the company, if need be, will defend its position vigorously in court.
