Roundup Weedkiller Lawsuit Alleges Homeowner Developed Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

A New York homeowner alleges that he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma due to side effects of Roundup weedkiller sprayed on a regular basis around his property, including on the walkways and foundation of his home.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Kenneth Panthen in Delaware Superior Court on April 6, alleging that Monsanto failed to adequately warn about the potential link between Roundup and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Roundup is one of the most widely used weedkillers and herbicides in the United States, and contains the active ingredient glyphosate. While it is widely believed to be safe, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s International Agency for Research on Cancer determined last year that glyphosate probably causes cancer in humans.

Panthen indicates that he began using Roundup in 1995, to control the growth of weeds on his property in Albany, New York. The lawsuit indicates that he used the weed killer for more than 10 years, and followed all of the safety precautions and warnings. However, on April 7, 2011, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

The case joins a growing number of Roundup weedkiller lawsuits filed against Monsanto in recent months, each involving similar allegations that the global agricultural company that has generated billions in revenue from the sale of the product. Panthen and other plaintiffs claim that Monsanto has known for years that glyphosate poses an increased risk of cancer, yet withheld information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and failed to recommend consumers take adequate safety precautions when using the product to control the growth of weeds.

“Glyphosate, and Defendant’s Roundup products in particular, have long been associated with serious side effects and many regulatory agencies around the globe have banned or are currently banning the use of glyphosate herbicide products,” the lawsuit filed by Panthen states. “The failure of Defendant to appropriately warn and inform the EPA has resulted in inadequate warnings in safety information presented directly to users and consumers.”

As Roundup injury lawyers continue to review and file cases for individuals throughout the U.S. who have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other forms of cancer, it is ultimately expected that Monsanto will face several thousand complaints in courts throughout the U.S.