Symptoms of Roundup® Poisoning

Roundup is a weedkiller and herbicide commonly used to kill weeds and unwanted plants on contact in agricultural, residential and commercial applications. The active ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate. Other inert chemicals in the product include formaldehyde, arsenic and N-nitrosoglyphosate.

In 1970, Monsanto discovered the chemical glyphosate and found that plants treated with it typically died within two to three days. Monsanto, the original manufacturer of Roundup, released the product on the market in 1974. Since its release, Roundup has been used in commercial operations and residential settings, including farms and other agricultural projects, landscaped areas and gardens.

Multiple studies have linked repeated use of Roundup and other glyphosate-containing products to severe health conditions.

Why is Roundup dangerous?

One of the main concerns with Roundup comes from its active ingredient, glyphosate. In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that glyphosate is a Group 2A human carcinogen. The IARC is part of the World Health Organization (WHO).

This classification means glyphosate use and certain types of cancer are probably linked. The IARC Working Group also linked Roundup use with a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and subtypes of NHL.

People who use Roundup regularly may have a higher risk of glyphosate exposure. The high-risk group includes gardeners and agricultural workers.

Some common signs and symptoms of Roundup poisoning include skin irritation, throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. However, this is not an exhaustive list of Roundup exposure symptoms. The symptoms you may experience depend on how you’re exposed to Roundup and glyphosate, its active ingredient.

Exposure by skin contact is fairly common, especially for landscapers, agricultural workers and homeowners who apply Roundup to their plants. Some common symptoms from Roundup on skin include:

• Eye irritation
• Nasal discomfort and irritation
• Photocontact dermatitis, which resembles a severe sunburn that may result in skin sensitivity, blistering and similar conditions
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Skin irritation
• Superficial corneal injuries (injuries to the first layer of the eye)
• Tongue and throat tingling

You could also accidentally inhale or ingest Roundup when you apply it, even after carefully following the label instructions. Some common Roundup ingestion symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Anxiety
• Coma
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Kidney failure
• Low blood pressure
• Mouth irritation
• Slow heart rate
• Weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms from contact with or by inhaling or ingesting Roundup, contact the Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or via the webPOISONCONTROL tool on their website and seek medical attention immediately.

Health effects of Roundup on humans

The symptoms of Roundup poisoning may appear quickly. With proper treatment, the health effects of Roundup exposure may be managed or eliminated. However, short-term symptoms are not the only risk that Roundup users face. Ongoing health conditions and effects can impact individuals, particularly those who use the weed killer frequently or used it often in the past.

IARC reviewed a number of studies and identified a probable link between the use and exposure of Roundup and the development of certain cancers.

The IARC identified an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) after exposure to Roundup. NHL is a type of cancer that impacts the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps your body filter various fluids. NHL starts in the white blood cells and can spread throughout the body via the lymphatic system.

The glyphosate-related cancers may start in parts of the body where lymph tissue is concentrated, such as:

• Bone marrow
• Digestive tract
• Lymph nodes
• Spleen
• Thymus gland
• Tonsils

As non-Hodgkin lymphoma progresses, some symptoms may become prevalent and noticeable. These symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Persistent fatigue
• Swelling in the lymph nodes, typically around your armpits, groin or neck
• Trouble breathing
• Unexplained weight loss

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be treated by a doctor, although the disease may be fatal. Treatments might involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and surgery.

If you or your loved one is experiencing these symptoms or is concerned about the increased risk of developing NHL from Roundup use, see a doctor as soon as possible. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can have a survival rate of up to 83% when detected in the early stages. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you’ll receive the proper screenings and tests leading to a diagnosis.

Individuals with a history of using Roundup who have developed NHL or another condition associated with Roundup use may be eligible to file a lawsuit against manufacturers Bayer and Monsanto.

There isn’t a known level of “safe” exposure to Roundup. Multiple studies have linked repeat use of Roundup and other glyphosate-containing products to severe health conditions.

However, whether glyphosate is a dangerous carcinogen or not has been debated over the years. While the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says it’s a carcinogen, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) argues that glyphosate is “unlikely to be a human carcinogen.” 

If you are experiencing signs of glyphosate exposure/poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. You should never ignore symptoms of Roundup poisoning.

For immediate care, contact the Poison Control hotline by calling 1-800-222-1222 or using the webPOISONCONTROL tool on their website. They’ll be able to advise you on short-term actions you can take to mitigate potential longer-term health conditions.

Then, seek medical care as soon as possible.

If you’re concerned about long-term complications and health issues resulting from Roundup use, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns and your history of use or exposure to Roundup.

Your doctor will review your symptoms and conduct thorough screenings to assess your risk factors and current health. Some NHL screening methods include:

• Blood tests
• Bone marrow biopsies
• Imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs or positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• Lymph node screenings
• Physical exams
• Urine tests

People who develop NHL after Roundup exposure may be eligible to file a Roundup lawsuit. If this describes you or a loved one, contact a Roundup attorney to learn more about your options.

To be eligible for a lawsuit, you must have health conditions that resulted from using the product as intended and according to the instructions on the label. If your health concerns come from the intentional ingestion or inhalation of Roundup, you do not have a claim.

As of July 1, 2025, 4,425 pending actions against Bayer and Monsanto were in the multidistrict litigation.

In Bayer’s 2025 Q1 financial report, the company reported:

• 28 Roundup trials concluded in state and federal courts in Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Oregon and Pennsylvania. 
• 17 of those trials resulted in favorable outcomes for Monsanto. In the other 11 cases, plaintiffs were awarded compensatory and punitive damages. 
• Bayer’s provisional fund for the glyphosate litigation totaled $6.2 billion.
• Investors are filing lawsuits against Bayer alleging damages they sustained because of the drop in the company’s share price.

If you’re considering filing a case for Roundup exposure, consult a Motley Rice attorney.

If you are eligible, we can help you gather the proof you need to file a Roundup lawsuit. This could potentially lead to a Roundup settlement or verdict through the litigation process.

Is Roundup toxic to humans?

Roundup has been known to cause severe health issues in humans, making it a toxic substance. Studies have shown that glyphosate exposure can cause toxic effects on the human nervous system.

However, Roundup labeling that identifies glyphosate as a carcinogen has been hotly debated. The EPA does not accept the IARC’s determination that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Instead, the EPA maintains that when glyphosate is used according to label directions, it does not pose risks to adults and children.

Because of the concerns around glyphosate, some U.S. states and foreign governments have banned glyphosate.

What are Roundup side effects?

Roundup side effects after exposure will vary, depending on how the exposure occurred (skin exposure, ingestion, or inhalation). The most common side effects of Roundup exposure include:

• Burning in the nose and throat
• Diarrhea
• Increased saliva (if Roundup is swallowed)
• Nose and throat irritation
• Vomiting

How do I treat Roundup toxicity?

How health issues stemming from Roundup exposure are treated will depend on the medical condition and the current medical state of the individual. Treatments for serious medical conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and surgeries.

Our attorneys have experience litigating toxic exposure and environmental damage cases. Motley Rice has represented individuals, families, communities and states. While we seek justice for our clients, our cases also look to improve environmental standards and protections for all.

In addition to our Roundup experience, our lawyers have represented people exposed to:

• AFFF firefighting foam
• Asbestos
• Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• PFAS, also known as forever chemicals
• Paraquat weed killer

We have also obtained a landmark settlement for 10 cities and counties in California that alleged three lead pigment companies created a public nuisance by exposing residents to toxic lead paint.

Read more on our toxic exposure experience.