An EPA official bragged to Monsanto executives that he helped kill an investigation into the cancer risk with Roundup weed killer, according to lawsuits filed by farmers and others who say they’ve been harmed by the controversial herbicide.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one developed lymphoma after using or being exposed to Roundup herbicide, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
What’s the Problem?
March 20, 2017 – The federal judge overseeing the Roundup multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2741) released records exposing how a corrupt former EPA official bragged to Monsanto that he deserved a medal if he could kill an investigation into the cancer risk with glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.
Monsanto was seeking the help of Jess Rowland, former manager of EPA’s pesticide division, to help stop an investigation into the glyphosate cancer risk by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
“If I can kill this I should get a medal,” Rowland told a Monsanto regulatory affairs manager, who recounted the conversation in an email to his colleagues.
Rowland’s bragging illustrates how the EPA, who was supposed to be policing Monsanto, was actually colluding with the company to hide the Roundup cancer link. He apparently succeeded, as the ATSDR never published a toxicological profile of glyphosate it was supposed to.
Rowland was the Deputy Division Director of EPA’s Health Effects Division of the Office of Pesticide Programs. He joined the agency in 1990 and as the Senior Science advisor, he could have a sweeping impact by providing expert advice on complex or novel scientific or policy issues. His branch was responsible for assessing the human health effects from pesticide exposure on food, water, working conditions and home life.
Judge Vince Chhabria stated in Pretrial Order No. 15 that he would tentatively allow plaintiffs to take Rowland’s deposition and to compel production of documents about his work. He said he would consider further arguments before making a final decision on the matter.
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The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Roundup lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Non-hodgkin lymphoma cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you got cancer from Roundup, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.