Weedkiller manufacturer seeks lawmakers' help to squelch claims it failed to warn about cancer - eviltoast
The maker of a popular weedkiller is turning to lawmakers in key states to try to squelch legal claims that it failed to warn about cancer risks.

Stung by paying billions of dollars for settlements and trials, chemical giant Bayer has been lobbying lawmakers in three states to pass bills providing it a legal shield from lawsuits that claim its popular weedkiller Roundup causes cancer.

Nearly identical bills introduced in Iowa, Missouri and Idaho this year — with wording supplied by Bayer — would protect pesticide companies from claims they failed to warn that their product causes cancer, if their labels otherwise complied with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations.

But legal experts warn the legislation could have broader consequences — extending to any product liability claim or, in Iowa’s case, providing immunity from lawsuits of any kind. Critics say it could spread nationwide.

  • FuglyDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
    81·
    7 months ago

    I’m not a scientist, but roundup is a core product for a massive mega-corp.

    They absolutely would have positive studies published to support their profits. I don’t know if round up causes cancer. But I do know that’s one of their best tools to avoid regulation. And mega corps like that do it all the freaking time.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
      71·
      7 months ago

      Sure, but just because a megacorp makes something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dangerous. Remember, that was an argument people were making about COVID vaccines. I am absolutely willing to grant that it could be very, very dangerous. As I said, I don’t know enough about it. But I don’t think the simple fact that Bayer makes it is really enough of an argument to prove that it’s carcinogenic.

      And obviously, I am not arguing against regulation. Quite the opposite. Hence my emphasizing a safe herbicide.