Bayer Hit with $2.1 Billion Roundup Verdict ( Another One )
A Georgia state court has ordered Bayer to pay $2.1 billion (€1.9 billion) in damages in a lawsuit linking its herbicide Roundup to a plaintiff’s non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This verdict is one of the most significant rulings against Bayer since its acquisition of Monsanto in 2018. The compensation includes $2 billion in punitive damages and $65 million in compensatory damages. Following the ruling, Bayer’s stock dropped 6.4%, though the company announced plans to appeal, citing regulatory approvals and scientific studies supporting the safety of Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate.
The Roundup Controversy
Monsanto, now part of Bayer, has long been at the center of controversy over its use of glyphosate in Roundup. The herbicide, widely used in agriculture, has been linked to environmental concerns and health risks.
Lawsuits and Settlements: Thousands of lawsuits claim that exposure to Roundup causes cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Since acquiring Monsanto, Bayer has paid over $10 billion in settlements.
WHO Classification: In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” intensifying legal challenges.
Environmental Impact: Glyphosate residues have been detected in soil, water, and food, raising concerns about biodiversity loss. Research suggests it may disrupt soil microbiomes and contribute to the decline of bee and butterfly populations by reducing flowering plants essential for pollinators.
Given the mounting legal pressure, Bayer has hinted at discontinuing Roundup sales unless it receives stronger legal protections, a decision that could significantly affect U.S. agriculture, which relies heavily on the herbicide.
Monsanto’s Role in GMOs and Past Controversies
Monsanto has been a pioneer in genetically modified organisms (GMOs), introducing crops designed to resist glyphosate, such as Roundup Ready soybeans and Bt corn. These advancements have allowed farmers to spray fields with herbicides without harming crops, increasing yields but also intensifying dependence on chemical treatments.
Additionally, Monsanto played a significant role in the development of Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War, later linked to severe health issues, including birth defects and cancer.
PCB Contamination: A Lasting Environmental Threat
Beyond Roundup, Monsanto was the sole U.S. manufacturer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from 1935 to 1977. These industrial chemicals were used in electrical equipment, paints, and plastics but were later found to be highly toxic and persistent in the environment.
Environmental Damage: PCBs have contaminated rivers, soil, and wildlife, leading to bioaccumulation in food chains.
Health Risks: Exposure to PCBs has been linked to cancer, immune disorders, and developmental issues in humans.
Regulatory Ban: The U.S. banned PCB production in 1979, but contamination remains a long-term issue, with cleanup efforts ongoing.
