It’s no longer news that Monsanto’s bestselling weed killer, Roundup, is hazardous to health. However, it remains in use because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not found the active chemical glyphosate harmful to humans. Also, the fact that the herbicide works for its intended purpose helps it maintain sales.
Despite the EPA’s silence and the seemingly beneficial nature of Roundup, its active ingredient — glyphosate — remains dangerous. This is because continuous usage of glyphosate increases the risk of some cancers by 40%. Thus, it is wise to consider healthier alternatives to Roundup to avoid the health risk it poses. If you suffer a health risk from using Roundup, our mass tort attorneys can help you.
Why Should You Use an Alternative to Roundup?
There’s a famous saying that “health is wealth.” So, if not for anything else, you should consider not using the herbicide for your health. But let’s look at more tangible reasons why an alternative is the better choice.
Throughout the United States and other parts of the world, farmers widely use glyphosate. The usage frequency has resulted in traces of the herbicide in breast milk, cotton products, beer, eggs, wine (even when produced with organic grapes), etc. The herbicide also gave rise to genetically modified food.
Furthermore, glyphosate could result in infertility, immune problems, faulty insulin regulation, etc. Finally, bringing it home to Roundup, continuous usage can result in:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other types of cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Autism
- Reproductive medical conditions
- Fatty liver disease
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Other diseases related to the disruption of the endocrine system and DNA of the human body
What Alternatives Can You Use to Replace Roundup?
Below is a list of alternative herbicides you can use to replace Roundup:
- Natural acids (vinegar or citric acids)
- Herbicidal soaps
- Iron-based herbicides
- Salt-based herbicides
- Phytotoxic oils (essential oils like clove, peppermint, pine, or citronella)
- Corn gluten
Several farmers and gardeners use the above options. However, there are several approaches you can take to get the best result. For this article, we’ll look at the acetic acid (vinegar) alternative.
The Acetic Acid (Vinegar) Alternative
Acetic vinegar is an excellent alternative to Roundup and is favored by people who don’t want to use glyphosate herbicides around their homes. You can buy it in stores or make it yourself from scratch. A good acetic vinegar should contain:
- Acetic Acid (Vinegar): Acetic acid effectively affects the cell membrane, thereby causing the rapid breakdown of foliage tissue on contact. You can opt for an organic household vinegar that contains about 5% acetic acid or agricultural vinegar. Agricultural vinegar can stand alone and can quickly burn down a weed.
- Salt: You can choose to combine acetic acid with salt to make it more effective. Salt, like vinegar, is a desiccant, making it dry out stems and leaves. Thus, by combining the two, you get a Roundup alternative with extra strength.
- Oil or Soap: Oil breaks down any coating or other natural barriers produced by weeds to protect their leaves. By combining vinegar with oil or soap, you’ll break down the tension water on weed surfaces. It also keeps the mixture from running off.
Tips for Applying Acetic Acid (Vinegar) Alternative Herbicide
Note that vinegar works effectively for weeds like carpetweed, common chickweed, broadleaf plantain, crabgrass, etc. For the best result, ensure you do the following:
- Apply the vinegar mixture on a hot day
- Avoid spraying the plants you do not want to kill
- Use gloves and protective eyewear as the mixture can cause skin damage
- Depending on the type of weed — e.g., perennial weeds — apply multiple times
What Are Your Options if You Get Sick From Roundup Exposure?
If you believe you have become ill from continuous exposure to and usage of Roundup, there are steps you may consider. First, seek medical treatment and obtain documentation from your doctor regarding your condition and potential exposure history. This medical documentation is important for evaluating whether you may have a viable legal claim. Establishing a connection between your illness and Roundup exposure is a key element in determining whether you may have grounds for a legal claim. An attorney can help evaluate your specific situation. The second option is contacting a mass tort attorney to either file a lawsuit or join one of the existing lawsuits against Monsanto as a plaintiff.
Contact Our Mass Tort Attorneys Today!
If you believe continuous exposure to and use of Roundup has adversely affected your health, you may have legal options. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, our mass tort attorneys will review the facts of your case to determine if you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim. We offer a free case evaluation to discuss your situation. Contact us today to speak with one of our lawyers. A free consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not guarantee that your case will be accepted.
