Summary
- Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) is the most widely used herbicide in the United States.
- Glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide, providing postemergence control of broadleaf, sedge, and grass weeds. It has a low risk of soil residual activity to non-target crops and vegetation.
- Approximately 24 million pounds of glyphosate are applied annually, with over 5 million pounds used in the homeowner market.
- Many homeowner herbicide products are available with various concentrations of the active ingredient glyphosate.
- In 2020, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Interim Registration Review “…did not identify any human health risks from exposure to glyphosate.”
- Limiting all pesticide exposure, including glyphosate, is critical for protecting human and environmental health.
Lawsuits: In 2018, a San Francisco jury awarded former groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson over $78 million, claiming that glyphosate caused his non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer. Following the Johnson case, thousands of other lawsuits have individuals claiming that glyphosate caused their cancer awarded billions of dollars in damages. Though these juries agreed glyphosate contributed to plaintiffs’ cancer, others have not.
International Agencies: The World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen in 2015. This classification is one of the cornerstones for the previous lawsuits. Internal company documents were also used that seemingly implied the company knew or suspected glyphosate was dangerous.
In 2019, Health Canada released a re-review of glyphosate, concluding “No pesticide regulatory authority in the world currently considers glyphosate to be a cancer risk to humans at the levels at which humans are currently exposed. ”
The IARC’s classification of glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” was based on a “hazard analysis” that considers whether the substance could cause cancer from sufficient exposure. In contrast, regulatory agencies (such as the US Environmental Protection Agency) conduct a “risk analysis,” which considers the probability of chemical exposure at doses high enough to cause an effect. Where the former asks the question, “is it possible,” the latter asks, “is it probable?”
These findings have caused confusion leading to juries either siding with the glyphosate-producing company or the plaintiffs in different trials.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) findings : A 2017 human health review of glyphosate by the EPA concluded that “glyphosate should be classified as not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” In 2020, an Interim Registration Review announced, “The EPA did not identify any human health risks from exposure to glyphosate.”
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, close-toed shoes and socks, a wide-brimmed hat, and chemical-resistant gloves.
Molly Darr, Clemson Extension
Does This Mean Glyphosate Is “Safe”?”
The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that there are no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used according to the label and that it is not a carcinogen. These findings on human health risk are consistent with the conclusions of science reviews by many other countries and other federal agencies”. Presently, based on this review decision, using glyphosate in a manner consistent with the product label does not appear to cause an increased health risk. Limiting all pesticide exposure, including glyphosate, is critical for protecting human and environmental health.
When Using Any Pesticide
- Wear appropriate protective clothing.
- Use it carefully to avoid off-target deposition.
- Store the pesticide in a safe and secure site.
- Follow all label directions as the label is the law.
Results: Principal glyphosate producer ENVU (formerly Bayer) will replace their homeowner glyphosate products with alternate active ingredients in formulations beginning in 2023. ENVU is taking this action exclusively to reduce litigation risk and not due to safety concerns. Other major glyphosate producers for the homeowner market will likely make similar decisions.
References:
- Neal, J C and T. Gannon – Glyphosate, Assessed 11/16/22 https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/glyphosate-1
- Bayer Web site Assessed 11/16/2022 – Managing the Glyphosate Litigation https://www.bayer.com/en/roundup-litigation-five-point-plan
- EPA – Glyphosate Interim Registration Review Decision Assessed 11/16/2022 https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-01/documents/glyphosate-interim-reg-review-decision-case-num-0178.pdf
