Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides may increase the risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma in humans by 41%. Glyphosate is the primary weedkiller found in many products including Roundup. In 2015, the World Health Organization declared Glyphosate a “probable carcinogenic that can cause cancer in humans.” Evidence from recent studies supports a link between GBH and the increased risk for cancer. Even so, each year more than 100 million pounds are applied on farms and landscapes around the United States. Conversely, many other nations and government entities including Argentina and the European Union have instituted either temporary or permanent bans on the product in order to protect public safety.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide that has been in use within the United States since the early 1970s. It is used to kill grasses and broadleaf plants that can hinder the growth of nearby flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Because of its use in agricultural production, it is often found in soy, almonds, peas, carrots, corn, beets, and beet sugar. It is found in trace amounts in everything from cereal and meats, to canned food products and baked goods. This makes avoiding consumption to glyphosates incredibly difficult, if not impossible.
The Impact of Glyphosate on Humans
When consumed, glyphosates can disrupt the balance of bacteria within the digestive tract. While not overly serious for most individuals, the combination of “inert” ingredients within Roundup and other herbicides creates a toxic environment in the gut that facilitates the development of cancerous cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that exposure to glyphosate increases the risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma by 41%. In pregnant women, exposure to glyphosates can interfere with hormone production, lead to abnormal fetal development, cause miscarriage, or lead to premature birth and low birth weight.
To date, there are more than 4,000 inert ingredients approved by the Environmental Protection Agency that herbicide manufacturer’s such as Monsanto include in weed killing products. It is this combination of known and unknown ingredients that amplifies the toxicity of herbicides and makes the use of products containing glyphosates potentially hazardous to human health. However, there are no current efforts to ban the chemical even though there is compelling evidence that shows a clear and present hazard to human health.
