A former groundskeeper from San Francisco has won a landmark case after a ruling saw him awarded $289m (£226m) compensation after he developed cancer, which he has successfully argued was caused by working with weed killer.
Dewayne Johnson, who is 46, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of a person’s immune system.
Mr Johnson had worked as a groundskeeper since 2012. He stated in Court that his role involved using herbicide, particularly Monsanto Roundup and had also used Ranger Pro. Both products were used in large quantities.
He used this product to control weeds that grew on school grounds, using the products for up to several hours a day sometimes.
Mr Johnson argued that the exposure to the chemicals contained in Roundup was the cause of his cancer. Mr Johnson’s legal team stated that Monstano had been ignoring science for years, and had targeted academics who spoke out regarding the possible health risks of the herbicide product.
A jury decided that the weed killer, which contains the herbicide glyphosate, had been a substantiating factor for Mr Johnson’s cancer, and that the company had not warned customers that the product was hazardous to health.
In certain countries, such as Italy and Portugal, the use of glyphosate has been banned for use in gardens and public parks. Its use is also prohibited in the Canadian city of Vancouver.
Mr Partridge, the Vice President of Monsanto has commented that the company would "vigorously defend this product" He stated further that
There have been over 800 medical scientific peer review published studies that have established there is no link whatsoever between glysophate and adverse health effects, much less cancer.
The company do plan to appeal the ruling.
It is now highly likely that numerous similar claims against Monsanto will follow.
Following a study by the Oxford Economics, it is estimated that 5.4 million acres of farmland around the UK are being treated on an annual basis with glyphosate.
If you think that you have been affected as a result of your working conditions you can contact our specialist solicitors on 0800 988 8082.
