June 23, 2015 — The cancer division of the World Health Organization (WHO) is warning about the cancer risks of three insecticides and herbicides, just months after declaring the weed-killer Roundup a “probable” human carcinogen.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published a study in The Lancet with warnings on two insecticides:
- Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT): Declared a “probable” human carcinogen, with studies specifically linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver cancer, and testicular cancer. It is still used for malaria control in Africa and some people may be exposed in contaminated food.
- Lindane: Declared “carcinogenic to humans” based on studies linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This insecticide is still used to treat lice and scabies, though experts caution that these uses have not been evaluated in safety studies.
The IARC said the herbicide 2,4-D was “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” with studies finding evidence of oxidative stress but conflicting findings regarding its carcinogenicity.
2,4-D was one of two chemicals used in Agent Orange during the Vietnam War to destroy food crops and deforest jungles, according to The Independent. It is still widely used to control weeds in agriculture, forestry, urban, and residential settings. The general population may be exposed in food, water, dust, crop spraying, and residential application, according to the IARC.
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 cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Exposure Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.