April 16, 2025
Hundreds of people in New Brunswick, Canada – many of them children – have experienced alarming neurological symptoms like memory loss, muscle spasms, and behavioral changes that may be linked to a popular herbicide. Medical researchers have found high levels of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, in the blood of many of the patients, neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero told the New York Times.
Despite an initial government investigation, efforts to uncover the cause were abruptly halted, leaving families searching for answers and sparking suspicions of political interference. Advocates have accused officials of prioritizing corporate interests over public health.
Hawaii pediatrician Dr. Lee Evslin, a leading voice on pesticide toxicity, is urging Canada to reopen the investigation. Speaking to the Telegraph-Journal, Dr. Evslin emphasized that this isn’t just a Canadian problem. He noted a similar situation on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where pesticide exposure was linked to developmental issues in children.
Dr. Evslin has spent years studying pesticides and their impact on human health. His book, Breakfast at Monsanto’s: Is Roundup in our food, making us fatter, sicker, and sadder?, examines the dangers of glyphosate-based herbicides and their potential role in public health crises like New Brunswick’s.
What Is Glyphosate, and Why Is It Controversial?
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller, is one of the world’s most widely used herbicides. Introduced by Monsanto in the 1970s, it’s a go-to for agriculture and home gardening, but its safety is hotly debated. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” linking it to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Studies have also shown that glyphosate contaminates soil and harms pollinators like bees.
Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) has faced thousands of lawsuits alleging glyphosate exposure caused cancer. Bayer maintains that glyphosate is safe, citing regulatory approvals, but has paid out billions of dollars to settle these legal claims. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits must provide proof of prolonged Roundup use, a related medical diagnosis, and evidence linking the two.
Where Is Glyphosate Banned?
While glyphosate remains widely used, Phys.org reports that some countries have banned or restricted it due to growing health concerns.
A Global Wake-Up Call
The discovery of elevated glyphosate levels in New Brunswick patients isn’t just a local concern – it’s a global issue. With potential implications for public health worldwide, families deserve answers. Reopening the investigation could help uncover the truth about what’s making people sick – and shed light on the broader dangers of glyphosate exposure.
How We Help Victims of Pesticide Exposure
With a national presence and a wealth of experience prosecuting pesticide exposure cases, Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years, aggressively fighting to hold them responsible for failing to keep workers safe. If you have suffered catastrophic injury or cancer caused by Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer or other harmful chemicals, we can help.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Confidential settlement for the wife of a Rhode Island man who died of mesothelioma cancer after exposure to window glazing compound contaminated with asbestos.
That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you.
