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Toxic Exposure: The True Story behind the Monsanto Trials and the Search for Justice
A behind-the-scenes look inside three key trials involving Monsanto's weed killer Roundup, cancer, and the search for justice―written by an expert witness medical oncologist who lived it all. For years, Monsanto declared that their product Roundup, the world's most widely used weed killer, was safe. But that all changed in 2015, when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) analyzed data from scientific studies and concluded that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is probably carcinogenic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disagreed, other regulatory agencies got involved, and scientists clamored to understand the link between glyphosate and cancer. Toxic Exposure tells the true story of numerous patients who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer, after using Roundup and their ensuing trials against Monsanto (now owned by Bayer, one of the largest agrochemical companies in the world). Written by Chadi Nabhan, MD, MBA, a cancer specialist, this is the only book written by an expert physician witness who testified in the first three trials against Monsanto. Dr. Nabhan takes the reader behind the scenes of these pivotal trials, explaining key features of the cases, including how Monsanto downplayed the IARC's scientific conclusions, may have worked to change how the EPA classified glyphosate, and conducted extensive PR campaigns designed to minimize the public's perception of the negative health effects of its product. He also provides details about the other expert witnesses who reviewed the evidence, analyzed the science, and stood up to this agricultural behemoth in the courtroom. Dr. Nabhan tells the inside story of corporate influence, courtroom drama, legal discourse, monumental verdicts, and the ensuing media frenzy surrounding this massive uncovering of the truth and the years of scientific and legal work that led up to it.
328 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 26, 2024
The Monsanto Company was founded in 1901. Monsanto hit the ground running with food additives, such as caffeine, saccharin, and vanilla extract. It began producing chemicals by the 1920s. These chemicals were used in rubber processing, salicylic acid, sulfuric acid, and PCBs. Monsanto dabbled in the development of nuclear weapons, specifically in the Dayton Project. Monsanto would later go on to partner with some big names in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, namely Bayer, who would eventually buy the company out in 2018. Monsanto was the manufacturer for several controversial and detrimental products that have had long-term consequences: PCBs, DDT, Agent Orange, and bovine growth hormones. Monsanto also created and produced AstroTurf, which some people believe leeches chemicals into athletes and is detrimental to their overall health. I would have liked to have learned more about the shady business dealings that Monsanto got up to, because everyone knows chemical companies are always doing shady business. Especially when they have been in business 100+ years before there were regulations.
This book focuses on the trials involving Roundup. Roundup is a herbicide that was concocted, patented, and marketed by Monsanto until Bayer acquired it in 2018. There are several warnings associated with the use of Roundup, mostly not to ingest it or get it into the eyes. There was no risk of cancer printed on any warning label or in any literature. There have been several studies done, most recently in 2017, about the active ingredient in this product not being a carcinogenic risk to human beings. However, as of 2023, there were over 150,000 claims against Bayer/Monsanto alleging that use of this product led to cancer. Most of these cases rely on the fact that there was no warning about the risk of cancer from use of this product, false advertising, and covering up test results. This product has been dropped from a number of stores and banned in some European countries altogether. While many are keen to side with Bayer/Monsanto, Bayer did settle with a number of people to the tune of several million dollars. Does Roundup cause cancer? I do not know, I am not a scientist...but I would not be shocked if it did.
I have the Audible version of this book, but the physical copy is around 300 pages for those of you interested. I hoped this would have went more into the history of the company, but the main focus was on the court cases involving Roundup. I was more interested to know all the products affiliated with this company other than Roundup. Overall, the book was well researched and offered a lot of insight into the legal troubles of Monsanto and how it has impacted Bayer as a company.
This book focuses on the trials involving Roundup. Roundup is a herbicide that was concocted, patented, and marketed by Monsanto until Bayer acquired it in 2018. There are several warnings associated with the use of Roundup, mostly not to ingest it or get it into the eyes. There was no risk of cancer printed on any warning label or in any literature. There have been several studies done, most recently in 2017, about the active ingredient in this product not being a carcinogenic risk to human beings. However, as of 2023, there were over 150,000 claims against Bayer/Monsanto alleging that use of this product led to cancer. Most of these cases rely on the fact that there was no warning about the risk of cancer from use of this product, false advertising, and covering up test results. This product has been dropped from a number of stores and banned in some European countries altogether. While many are keen to side with Bayer/Monsanto, Bayer did settle with a number of people to the tune of several million dollars. Does Roundup cause cancer? I do not know, I am not a scientist...but I would not be shocked if it did.
I have the Audible version of this book, but the physical copy is around 300 pages for those of you interested. I hoped this would have went more into the history of the company, but the main focus was on the court cases involving Roundup. I was more interested to know all the products affiliated with this company other than Roundup. Overall, the book was well researched and offered a lot of insight into the legal troubles of Monsanto and how it has impacted Bayer as a company.
April 7, 2023
This was a very well written book by a medical oncologist, who acted as a expert witness on several trials against the Monsanto company, who created pesticides used in Roundup and other products. As an oncologist myself, I was amazed at how the author succinctly and clearly explained in laymans terms the difficulty of interpreting epidemiological studies related to toxins and their ability to be carcinogens. I was amazed to learn how stubborn Monsanto was in even adding a label to their products to warn consumers about the possible risks of the chemicals being used. My father actually was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma about 10 years ago and although he’s doing very well right now, I do wonder if his time in the garden was responsible for his diagnosis. Thank you Dr. Nabhan for your excellent testimony that has probably helped raise awareness to this important carcinogen and now it’s properly being labeled as such.
April 17, 2023
This is more than the tale of Roundup (brought to market by Monsanto, which was bought by the German giant, Bayer) vs. humanity. The author testified as an expert witness at three big trials, presenting a perspective rarely seen. True-life courtroom drama usually comes from the perspective of a lawyer.
Readers can feel what Dr. Nabhan felt as Monsanto's lawyers unsuccessfully tried to discredit him and prevent his testimony from being heard at trial. I appreciated learning the plaintiff's stories because it made me sympathetic to their hardships.
I worked for Monsanto for 7 years (1968 to 1976) as a research chemist, making this book even more personal.
A good read.
Readers can feel what Dr. Nabhan felt as Monsanto's lawyers unsuccessfully tried to discredit him and prevent his testimony from being heard at trial. I appreciated learning the plaintiff's stories because it made me sympathetic to their hardships.
I worked for Monsanto for 7 years (1968 to 1976) as a research chemist, making this book even more personal.
A good read.
May 22, 2023
This book is fascinating ! This billion dollar trial elucidated the trials and tribulations of fighting for basic human rights of health and justice . Dr. Chadi Nabhan gave his heart , mind and soul , to serve the truth behind the carcinogenic impact of glyphosate . Despite the power of the Monsanto company, one learns that persistence, logic, integrity and science will win. What a story and GREAT read . -Dr. Kuljit Kapur
January 5, 2025
|| 4 ⭐️ ||
For my first attempt at reading in-depth about court trials, this was surprisingly interesting. Of course, that’s partially because the topic of glyphosate has intrigued me for quite some time. But I wasn’t expecting to find the court proceedings themselves so interesting. I didn’t know much about how trials like these work, and it’s amazing how much of a… game they can be. It seems like it’s often more about saying the right thing and trying to make someone say the wrong thing than it is about actually examining the truth and getting to the bottom of it.
I also didn’t find myself always agreeing with the author, who was representing the victims of glyphosate injury (the side I agree with). He’s a doctor, and a highly specialized one at that—which means he is trained to view systems of the body in isolation, and seemed to have very little knowledge about how the entire body works together. He was more determined to get to the root of these peoples’ health issues than most doctors are, but I still found it greatly lacking. So it was eye-opening to learn more about how specialists think too.
I’m surprised Monsanto is still allowed to exist and sell products. They’re so blatantly corrupt. I hadn’t even realized just how bad it was. But it seems like when you have a lot of money, you can get away with pretty much anything.
For my first attempt at reading in-depth about court trials, this was surprisingly interesting. Of course, that’s partially because the topic of glyphosate has intrigued me for quite some time. But I wasn’t expecting to find the court proceedings themselves so interesting. I didn’t know much about how trials like these work, and it’s amazing how much of a… game they can be. It seems like it’s often more about saying the right thing and trying to make someone say the wrong thing than it is about actually examining the truth and getting to the bottom of it.
I also didn’t find myself always agreeing with the author, who was representing the victims of glyphosate injury (the side I agree with). He’s a doctor, and a highly specialized one at that—which means he is trained to view systems of the body in isolation, and seemed to have very little knowledge about how the entire body works together. He was more determined to get to the root of these peoples’ health issues than most doctors are, but I still found it greatly lacking. So it was eye-opening to learn more about how specialists think too.
I’m surprised Monsanto is still allowed to exist and sell products. They’re so blatantly corrupt. I hadn’t even realized just how bad it was. But it seems like when you have a lot of money, you can get away with pretty much anything.
June 12, 2023
Dr. Nabhan delivers an engaging and compelling narrative showcasing the darker aspects of corporate practices and the human and legal implications of corporate misconduct. Using his medical acumen, Nabhan combines his expertise and excellent storytelling skills to provide an enlightening read. The book reveals the pursuit of justice against Monsanto and the struggle for those affected by Roundup while keeping readers enthralled from start to finish.
Nabhan doesn't just stick to the courtroom drama; he ensures readers understand the scientific evidence while instilling empathy for the victims through personal stories. These narratives paint a vivid picture of the real-world impact of potentially toxic chemicals, creating a human connection that goes beyond a technical context. Nabhan also provides practical tips to help readers reduce their exposure to toxins and advocates for increased regulation of industry practices. The book serves as a potent reminder of the potential health hazards of companies when they go unchecked. The book's elements come together nicely to form an important work that underscores the need for public awareness and corporate accountability.
Nabhan doesn't just stick to the courtroom drama; he ensures readers understand the scientific evidence while instilling empathy for the victims through personal stories. These narratives paint a vivid picture of the real-world impact of potentially toxic chemicals, creating a human connection that goes beyond a technical context. Nabhan also provides practical tips to help readers reduce their exposure to toxins and advocates for increased regulation of industry practices. The book serves as a potent reminder of the potential health hazards of companies when they go unchecked. The book's elements come together nicely to form an important work that underscores the need for public awareness and corporate accountability.
December 28, 2023
Toxic Exposure is a fascinating book that strikes the perfect balance between sharing facts of the cases, how the trials unfolded, educating the lay person about the law, lymphoma and causation, and the grit and determination of a legal team and experts who worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served. Dr. Nabhan’s ability to share his medical knowledge and expertise in plain language to the jury is no easy feat and no doubt played a big role in the outcome. His compassion for people and the importance of human connection are heartwarming. Witnessing how preparation, determination and fighting for what’s right to achieve justice in this world gives people hope.
In the end, the results of these trials were enormous, not only to those who were injured but to society. Educating folks on the dangers of certain pesticides and realizing that lives will be saved because glyphosate is no longer sold for residential use in the U.S. is a BIG win for society. Highly recommend this book!
In the end, the results of these trials were enormous, not only to those who were injured but to society. Educating folks on the dangers of certain pesticides and realizing that lives will be saved because glyphosate is no longer sold for residential use in the U.S. is a BIG win for society. Highly recommend this book!
June 13, 2023
I wasn't quite sure what to expect as I sat down to begin reading this book, but once I started, it was hard to put it down. Right away, the author Chadi Namhan, MD, MBA, draws you in, taking you along as he brings you behind the scenes and into the courtroom in his role as an expert witness for the plaintiffs VS. Monsanto's Roundup product. Is there a link between Roundup (glyphosate) and cancer, as the plaintiffs wondered? The lengths that Monsanto would go to try and prove otherwise is jaw-dropping but not surprising. Yet even with the best trial lawyers, money can buy, in three monumental cases, the juries weren't buying it, due in large part to the masterful testimony of Dr. Namhan.
September 28, 2023
This was an informative and enjoyable read. It covers three different trials against Monsanto about glyphosate in Roundup causing cancer from the perspective of one of the expert witnesses on the plaintiff side. Dr. Nabhan had never served as an expert witness before so as the reader you get to experience the American legal system through his eyes as he's approached about the trial and studying the link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and then through the three trials he was in. It reads like a legal drama - he explained the medical and legal terminology well enough for me to follow along quite easily.
March 3, 2024
A sincere author and expert witness in cases brought by plaintiffs who contracted non Hodgkin lymphoma after having been exposed to Monsanto’s roundup.
The author is a doctor and hero who is intent from page one to do the right thing. There is painstaking often heartbreaking information provided during the trial there are three trials overall that are accounted for here, although it’s hard to see how the narrative really evolves.
There is a lot of language about chess moves and lawyering during the legal process, ultimately it has proved hard to leave himself out of the frontline when the author really wanted to try and make this as much about the plaintiffs/patients as possible.
The author is a doctor and hero who is intent from page one to do the right thing. There is painstaking often heartbreaking information provided during the trial there are three trials overall that are accounted for here, although it’s hard to see how the narrative really evolves.
There is a lot of language about chess moves and lawyering during the legal process, ultimately it has proved hard to leave himself out of the frontline when the author really wanted to try and make this as much about the plaintiffs/patients as possible.
August 21, 2025
Dr. Nabhan describes in some detail how he became interested in the toxic effects of glyphosate. As he saw more and more patients with cancers in patients who were exposed to the chemical, he became convinced that this toxin was a causative factor in these cancers. Initially a reluctant participant in legal action, he became a strong advocate for patients who had been harmed by this product.
He describes many legal actions against Monsanto (later purchased by Bayer), including class action suits, that won millions for patients exposed to his toxin. His educated and powerful testimony were influential in the lawsuits against the producer of glyphosate.
He describes many legal actions against Monsanto (later purchased by Bayer), including class action suits, that won millions for patients exposed to his toxin. His educated and powerful testimony were influential in the lawsuits against the producer of glyphosate.
March 10, 2024
This book fell into my lap through a random conversation with the author and then learning that he wrote a book. Always an advocate for a chemical free lifestyle, I was very interested to read about the Monsanto Trials centered on glyphosate in their product Round Up being a carcinogen. This book gives you a first hand account from the author, who is an Oncologist and was an expert witness in the trials. If you like law and order, you'll love this book. This book helped me restore faith in our justice system, which seems to fail so many times.
April 11, 2023
Dr. Chadi Nabhan, one of the most respected leaders in oncology today, has delivered an intriguing and informative account as to what really took place during the first three trials against Mosanto for their weed-killer - Roundup. His inside story sheds light on the science, the link between glyphosate and cancer, and the means to which big-government and big-corporations will go to downplay a public risk. Because of his expert testimony, Dr. Nabhan helped David take down Goliath once again.
April 27, 2023
I highly recommend this. Although at first I was a little skeptical- this was a thrilling read about a legal battle (reminded me of John Grisham that I loved reading as a child) and also a touching immigrant story that I could relate to as an immigrant doctor. Learnt so much from this book about the legal process, cancer, epidemiology, risk and causation. All while being highly entertaining and a great read.
August 17, 2023
This book is focused on the trials where Monsanto was sued for not properly researching and labeling RoundUp weedkiller.
The author is obviously well-qualified, though I do question how many hours he has on the day to take in everything he said he said and still be an engaged father. It's a bit disingenuous for him to discuss how he doesn't want to discuss himself on the stance - and yet he wrote an entire book about himself and hisexperience with the trials.
The author is obviously well-qualified, though I do question how many hours he has on the day to take in everything he said he said and still be an engaged father. It's a bit disingenuous for him to discuss how he doesn't want to discuss himself on the stance - and yet he wrote an entire book about himself and hisexperience with the trials.
March 19, 2023
Very well written book. An important topic that sheds light on science and connection between glyphosate and cancer. The author takes readers through his experience as an expert witness in the Monsanto trials. Reading this book I felt I was the one in that court room experiencing all the emotions together with the author.
Definitely a must read.
Definitely a must read.
March 28, 2023
Riveting! This book is a true story that goes deep into the dangers of corporate greed and shows a real life example of David v. Goliath. It draws parallels with Erin Brockovich cases of old. The author perspective and expert oncology witness who testified successfully on behalf of impacted patients demonstrated humility yet expertise. Looking forward to additional works by this author.
April 13, 2023
Well written book. Easy to read and understand. Corporate greed and harmful affects to the consumers is unfortunately too common of an issue that requires much more awareness. The author, with courage and expertise, brings to light a story of failure in safety standards and policies. A powerful and truthful book that is a must read. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2023
3 starts if you're looking for science and data.
4 starts if you're looking for a thriller and a book about the complexities of the US judicial system, (which I think is kind of ridiculous), I mean, I'm glad the cancer patients were compensated, but how can a jury of lay people decide if a chemical causes cancer or not? That's not on the book or the author. But it's kind of the main theme here.
4 starts if you're looking for a thriller and a book about the complexities of the US judicial system, (which I think is kind of ridiculous), I mean, I'm glad the cancer patients were compensated, but how can a jury of lay people decide if a chemical causes cancer or not? That's not on the book or the author. But it's kind of the main theme here.
May 11, 2023
I knew roundup was a carcinogen but thought it was in the misuse or overuse.......
eye opening that Monsanto skirted the risks and skimped on the labeling and precautions..
trials that took years but rulings in favor of the plaintiffs was a victory but was it....the physical problems that plagued many people for the rest of their lives money didn't help.
eye opening that Monsanto skirted the risks and skimped on the labeling and precautions..
trials that took years but rulings in favor of the plaintiffs was a victory but was it....the physical problems that plagued many people for the rest of their lives money didn't help.
May 31, 2023
This book really inspired me to read labels and start advocating for clean health. It is outrageous how Monsanto was able to tread through layers of bureaucracy and manipulate the system to their financial benefit . This product is still on the market, and people should be aware of the scientific truth Dr Nabhan brings forth with great detail and oncologic medical expert skill.
SM
SM
September 10, 2023
Well written in layman terms. It shared the emotional, passionate journey with clinical evidence. It proves why we have to be diligent in reading more than one side to science research. And why it is important to know how outcomes are reached and the authors and those contributing to the studies.
April 18, 2024
Really tempted to not finish but I’m stubborn. While the premise interested me, I didn’t enjoy this book. It alternates between tedious legal details (which, like Buffalo Creek Disaster which I read earlier this month, may just mean it was not for me) but then lots of unnecessary self-hyping. Don’t recommend.
July 9, 2024
This book is well written and provides the fly-on-the wall view of how evil corporations can be . $$$ , $$$, $$$ - all in the name of profits and not wanting to look bad/wrong in leadership .
Very sad, infuriating, and can leave the regular population feeling hopeless against large businesses .
Human death for profits .
Very sad, infuriating, and can leave the regular population feeling hopeless against large businesses .
Human death for profits .
March 22, 2023
Enjoyed reading this true story of the pivotal roundup trials against Monsanto. I highly recommend it; a page turner and the author does a great job putting us exactly in the court room. I read it over one weekend. Highly recommended.
April 29, 2023
Excellent book and great read .
Page turner of a true medical-legal thriller on the true story of the Monsanto roundup trials. Enjoyed the courtroom scenes and drama as well as learning about the science and our legal system.
Must read and highly recommended.
Page turner of a true medical-legal thriller on the true story of the Monsanto roundup trials. Enjoyed the courtroom scenes and drama as well as learning about the science and our legal system.
Must read and highly recommended.
June 26, 2023
The book, 'Toxic Exposure: The True Story behind the Monsanto Trials and the Search for Justice" by Dr. Chadi Nabhan is a fascinating and informative read. It provides such valuable insights on the Monsanto Trials and role of an expert witness.
March 19, 2023
Reading the book was an unexpected learning experience about law,hematology as well as organic and inorganic chemistry. "Toxic exposure" is an extremely well written story. Amazing read!
March 19, 2023
Wonderful read and intriguing. True medical and legal thriller about Monsanto and Roundup trials. A page turner. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2023
I loved this book from start to finish. Medical and a legal true story thriller from the eyes of the expert who testified against Monsanto and roundup. Highly recommended and timely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews