Bayer sets aside $16 billion as Roundup lawsuits mount

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Bayer, the maker of Roundup weedkiller, says it is setting aside about $16 billion for claims it faces in thousands of lawsuits. Those suing claim that Roundup is linked to cancer.

In a case heard by the Supreme Court on Monday, it was argued that the regulation of glyphosate, an ingredient in Roundup, causes health problems in both animals and people. Bayer is hoping the court will block those lawsuits and provide immunity from liability.

The Environmental Protection Agency has not determined if Roundup is a cancer risk. EPA does not require a warning label saying whether it poses such a risk.

The Trump Administration supports Bayer. Roundup is one of the world’s largest-selling herbicides.

Monsanto developed Roundup in the 1970s. Bayer bought Monsanto in 2018.