Monsanto is facing lawsuits from people who were exposed to Roundup and developed lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL). The company is accused of failing to warn about the risk of cancer.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Roundup induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with chronic leukemia (CLL/SSL), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Roundup SLL Cancer Lawsuit
In 2015, a woman from New York who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia filed a lawsuit (PDF) against Monsanto. She worked at a horticulture company from 1994-1998 where Roundup was sprayed. On several occasions, she became sick within hours of being exposed.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York — In Re: Judy Fitzgerald v. Monsanto Co. — Case No. 2:15-cv-05494.
Toxic Chemicals in Roundup
Roundup contains the herbicide glyphosate, which blocks an enzyme plants need to survive. It also contains POEA, a chemical that helps glyphosate penetrate into plants. POEA is toxic to fish and amphibians, and it may also increase the toxicity of Roundup by helping glyphosate penetrate into human and animals. Over 60% of farm-workers who spray Roundup have it in their urine or blood.
Is Roundup In My Food?
Roundup accumulates in plants (grains, fruit, leaves, etc.) and animal tissues of cows and rabbits, according to a study in Germany.. The residues do not wash off and they are not destroyed by cooking. Food remains contaminated for at least a year, even after freezing, drying, and processing.
Roundup is massively sprayed on crops that feed animals like cows, chickens, and pigs. This is why it has been found in organic eggs from chickens who ate food made from “Roundup Ready” soybeans. It has also been found in honey from bees visiting fields where it is sprayed.
What is Small Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Small Lymphocytic Leukemia (SLL) is a type of blood cancer that involves B-cell lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. SLL primarily occurs in the lymph nodes. It is the same type of cancer as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), which primarily occurs in the bone marrow or blood. CLL and SLL are both non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Warning Signs of Lymphocytic Leukemia
In the early stages, SLL does not cause symptoms, but patients eventually develop enlarged lymph nodes or flu-like sickness. The problem is that cancer cells live longer than normal. Over time, they crowd out healthy blood cells and make it harder to fight infections.
Complications of SLL
People with chronic leukemia are susceptible to bleeding, bruising, and life-threatening infections. They can also develop auto-immune disease that cause severe anemia and thrombocytopenia.
Richter’s Syndrome
In about 5% of patients, slow-growing SLL transforms into fast-growing Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly and is much harder to treat. This complication is called Richter’s Syndrome.
Symptoms of Leukemia
SLL is slow-growing and does not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Fever or chills
- Unexplained weight-loss
- Infections
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
- Fatigue
- Bleeding
- Easy bruising
- Shortness of breath or pale skin
Risk-Factors for SLL
- Family history
- Close relative with SLL
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Agent Orange (herbicide
- Pesticides in farming
- Male gender
- North American or European ancestry
Diagnosis & Tests
Most people do not realize they have cancer until they have a blood test for another reason and doctors notice abnormal blood counts. If it is not diagnosed accidentally, SLL is usually very advanced by the time a patient seeks medical attention. Blood tests and biopsies (tissue samples) from lymph nodes can usually diagnose SLL.
Treatment for Leukemia
Not everyone with SLL needs treatment. When it is not causing symptoms, a “wait and see” approach is usually preferred. SLL is not usually curable because it is slow-growing. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are not very effective. The good news is that people often survive for many years with SLL or go into remission.
Do I have a Roundup Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Roundup induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with chronic leukemia (CLL/SSL), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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