Potential Risks of Glyphosate Weed Treatment

Glyphosate is an herbicide which is used to kill grass and broadleaf plants. There are over 750 liquid and solid forms of glyphosate. Both the glyphosate form and the sodium salt form used for controlling plant growth and helping fruits ripen are used on gardens, lawns, and industrial weeds. The product dates back to 1974. Another form of the product is used to regulate aquatic plants. Anyone exposed to glyphosate should get medical care or contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Glyphosate kills most types of plants by killing the proteins that they need to grow. Glyphosate can enter your body through your skin. It can also be inhaled or enter through your eyes. You can have contact with the herbicide by touching plants that have the spray on it.

Users must take precautions to avoid getting the product on their skin, in the eyes, or breathing it in. Users may also be exposed if by touching plants that are still wet with spray. Glyphosate is not likely to vaporize after it is sprayed and can be a danger to the environment.

Signs and symptoms of glyphosate toxicity

While glyphosate has a low toxicity, other companion products can increase its potency. Glyphosate products can cause irritation of the skin, nose, and throat irritation. The mouth and throat can burn. Exposure can cause vomiting, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. Animals can suffer symptoms if they are exposed to glyphosate, too.

Glyphosate that is absorbed generally leaves the body in the fecal or urine discharge. There is some danger that glyphosate can cause cancer. Studies on the risk that glyphosate can cause cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma are currently being conducted.

Glyphosate may also cause problems during pregnancy. Studies in rats with high dosage exposures have shown pregnancy complications. There is currently no data linking glyphosate to asthma or other diseases. Glyphosate can stay in the soil for up to six months.

At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina product liability lawyers stay abreast of the dangers of many different chemical substances. We hold manufacturers and sellers of dangerous products liable for physical harm, emotional suffering, and wrongful death. To discuss your claim, please call 803-327-7800 or schedule an appointment by completing our contact form.