RoundUp: Everything You Need to Know About Public Use, Lawsuits, and Bans 

Author: Shelby Benavidez 

Controversy Surrounding RoundUp  

What is RoundUp?  

RoundUp is a popular herbicide containing glyphosate, a synthetic chemical compound ingredient that kills plants by destroying the vital enzymes that plants need to grow, and is used mostly by farmers, landscapers, and home gardeners. It’s particularly common in combination with genetically modified crops that are engineered to resist glyphosate, allowing for widespread application without harming the crops themselves.  

Over the years, RoundUp’s popularity has come under scrutiny as scientific research and public concern have increased regarding its safety, resulting in lawsuits, restrictions, and even bans in some places. 

Why is it Being Banned?  

Efforts to ban or limit RoundUp focus on health risks, environmental damage, and legal issues. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a group from the World Health Organization, said glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans,” meaning likely to cause cancer. This raised global concern, since glyphosate was commonly used in food and the environment. 

In the years following the IARC’s finding, several advocacy groups urged for bans or restrictions on glyphosate-based herbicides. Governments can restrict or ban substances that might be harmful, even if it hasn’t been scientifically proven to be true, so many jurisdictions are using the possibility of health risks, harm to wildlife, and pollution of soil and water as reasons for taking legal action. 

Is Glyphosate Harmful to Humans?  

The question of glyphosate’s toxicity remains the subject of intense debate. Despite the IARC’s hypothesis that glyphosate has potential to cause cancer, agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) say it’s unlikely when used correctly in normal conditions. However, critics say these agencies often depend on studies funded by the industry and may not fully consider the risks from long-term or repeated exposure. 

Despite the controversy, plaintiffs in several successful cases have alleged that glyphosate caused their non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and juries have awarded multimillion-dollar verdicts based on claims that Monsanto failed to warn users about the risks. These lawsuits have revealed internal documents suggesting that the company may have known of, but downplayed safety concerns. Other potential health effects linked to glyphosate exposure include hormone disruption, liver and kidney impairment, reproductive issues, and skin and eye irritation. From a legal standpoint, these risks raise significant product liability concerns for manufacturers and distributors.  

Access to RoundUp 

Is RoundUp Banned in Every Country?  

RoundUp is not banned across the globe, but several countries have advocated for full or partial bans. Unfortunately, legal restrictions vary significantly across nations, states, and even cities. Some areas have prohibited glyphosate use altogether, while others limit its use to specific areas or purposes.  

For example, Austria became the first European Union country to vote for a full glyphosate ban in 2019, with Luxembourg following quickly behind, banning glyphosate completely in 2020. Germany, France, and Mexico aim to significantly reduce glyphosate usage by 2025. Sri Lanka originally banned glyphosate, but lifted its restrictions. However, the ban in Sri Lanka was reinstated due to rising public health concerns.  

Where is RoundUp Banned in the U.S.?  

In the U.S., there’s no nationwide ban on RoundUp, but some states and cities have made their own laws to limit or ban it, especially in public areas. California requires a cancer warning on glyphosate products under Proposition 65, and cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Berkeley have banned its use on public land. Hawaiian counties like Kauai and Maui have also banned or limited its use in parks and near schools, while New York and Connecticut have passed laws to restrict it near water and school zones. 

Can You Still Buy RoundUp in the U.S.?  

You can still buy RoundUp in many states across the U.S. at major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart, though some have reduced inventory or added safer alternatives in response to public concern. The U.S. EPA continues to approve glyphosate for use, maintaining that it is safe when applied according to labeling instructions.  

However, they are facing growing pressure from environmental and health advocacy groups, and ongoing litigation may influence future regulatory decisions. For now, though, you can still legally buy and use RoundUp on private property in most parts of the country. 

Glyphosate in the U.S.  

Which State Uses It the Most?  

California is one of the largest users of glyphosate in the United States, largely due to the scale of its agricultural industry. With millions of acres under cultivation, California farms historically applied nearly 10 million pounds of glyphosate annually. The state’s crops, ranging from grapes and almonds to vegetables and cotton, often depend on chemical weed control methods.  

Other high-use states include Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Indiana. These states rely heavily on glyphosate-tolerant crops like corn and soybeans. The widespread use of glyphosate in these regions raises particular legal concerns for agricultural workers, nearby residents, and public health officials, especially as evidence of water and soil contamination continues to emerge.  

How to Avoid Glyphosate in the U.S.  

Because glyphosate is used so widely, it’s hard to avoid completely. However, there are ways to lower your risk such as buying certified organic produce, since organic farms don’t use synthetic herbicides. Washing fruits and vegetables well can also reduce exposure by removing some of the residue on the surface, though it won’t get rid of what’s been absorbed by the plant. 

Other precautions include using water filters, especially reverse osmosis systems, to help reduce glyphosate in drinking water. Try avoiding places like parks, sidewalks, and school grounds that were recently sprayed. If you’re really concerned, make your own garden! Growing your own food at home gives you more control over chemical use and peace of mind. 

From a legal perspective, glyphosate’s presence in food and water has led to class-action lawsuits against manufacturers and food companies. Plaintiffs say the companies didn’t disclose the contamination or properly test for it, making their customers feel deceived and putting their health at risk. 

Talk to a Mass Tort Attorney  

If you suspect that exposure to RoundUp has caused a serious health issue such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it may be in your best interest to consult an attorney that deals with mass torts surrounding glyphosate and RoundUp. Thousands of individuals across the United States have already filed lawsuits against Monsanto and Bayer, claiming that glyphosate exposure was a significant factor in their cancer diagnoses.  

In Dewayne Johnson v. Monsanto (2018), a California jury awarded $289 million to a groundskeeper who developed terminal cancer after repeated RoundUp exposure. It was later reduced on appeal but upheld on the merits. In Hardeman v. Monsanto (2019), a federal jury awarded $80 million, and in Pilliod v. Monsanto, a California couple received over $2 billion in damages, later reduced to $87 million.  

Typical symptoms reported in glyphosate-related cases include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, recurring fevers, night sweats, and skin lesions. Lawsuits are often based on claims that the product was unsafe, lacked proper warnings, was poorly designed, or that the company, Monsanto, was careless. 

People considering filing a lawsuit should know that each state has statutes of limitations, or time limits for filing a claim. To build a strong case, you’ll need medical records, details about your exposure, and proof of illness. Many law firms handling RoundUp cases offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only have to pay if you win your case.  

RoundUp is still legal in many places, but its future is unclear as more science, lawsuits, and public concern grow. Whether through governmental bans, individual precautions, or mass tort litigation, the movement against glyphosate is reshaping how we think about agricultural chemicals and corporate accountability.