California still not labeling Roundup as a potential carcinogen

In many regards, California leads environmental policy in the United States. Steps that they take toward both policy and safety are often replicated in other states and even at the federal level over time. California takes its responsibilities to its citizens very seriously. They have stricter environmental, chemical and labeling regulations than any other state.

Products that are freely sold in other states may have to carry a label in California acknowledging the risk for cancer or other medical issues as a result of consumer exposure. California also has more strict limits on the use of certain materials like formaldehyde in flooring materials. However, a recent court ruling out of California could impact people in that state and others who are pushing back against Roundup. Some link this popular plant-killing compound with certain cancers.

The issue with Roundup exposure

There appears to be some potential correlation between Roundup exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While the creator of Roundup — the chemical goliath Monsanto — maintains the safety of the plant-killing spray, hundreds of people have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for developing cancer. There’s also reason to believe that the chemical could impact pregnancies, resulting in shorter gestation periods and premature deliveries.

In response to these lawsuits, California announced its intention to label all Roundup, also known as glyphosate, as a cancer-causing chemical. In February, lobbyists secured an injunction against the labeling. The state pushed back, but a judge upheld the injunction until a court can review more thorough scientific and medical information. The state intends to continue pursuing the matter, but in the meantime, Roundup will be sold without any labels about the potential dangers to consumers.

How a California ruling could impact people in North Carolina

Every state has its own laws and policies. What happens in a legal case in California often has no bearing on what happens in other states. However, in this situation, it is possible that Monsanto could cite a win in this court case as evidence that there’s no link between their product and serious, sometimes fatal cancers.

People in North Carolina, especially gardeners and those involved in agriculture, could find themselves facing terrifying cancer diagnoses after years of exposure to this chemical. It’s possible that the California ruling to not add danger warnings to the poison could bolster defenses against potential lawsuits stemming from exposure-related cancers.

Ultimately, if the courts uphold the injunction, it could make it harder for future plaintiffs to seek compensation related to glyphosate injuries. However, that shouldn’t impact your decision to seek compensation. It only means that proper development of your case is critical before moving forward with a lawsuit related to Roundup.