Are we gambling with our health every time we use glyphosate?
As the years have gone by, more and more evidence has been mounting against the safeness of this herbicide.
Somehow, two giant governmental institutions, EPA and WHO have differing views on the safety of this product🤔. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Yet somehow the EPA says ” there are no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label.”
Today, you can find residues of this extensively used herbicide EVERYWHERE. From the highest mountains to the deepest seas. In urine, semen, breastmilk, cells, bones, and even umbilical cords.
Let’s dig into the mounting health concerns against glyphosate:
Cancer
Numerous studies have investigated how glyphosate can cause cellular changes in humans, potentially leading to cancer. One such study found that the exposure to glyphosate increases the risk of non-hodgkin's lymphoma by 41%.
Hormonal Disruption
Glyphosate is also suspected of being an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with reproductive hormones and other biological processes. Studies have suggested that even at low levels, glyphosate can disrupt the action of estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones. Such disruptions can lead to reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes, and even thyroid issues.
Impact on Microbiomes
I’m sure you’ve heard a ton about gut health in the past few years. Our microbiome is so incredibly important to all the systems of our body from nutrition to mental health. Studies show that it inhibits the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, essential for digestion, immunity, and overall health. And this disruption is not only limited to the human microbiota, EVERYTHING has a microbiome. Livestock, wildlife, insects, soil, water, plants, air, rocks, etc. The extensive use of Glyphosate causes these microscopic systems to fail at a giant scale.
Developmental and Reproductive Issues
Research points to glyphosate’s potential role in developmental and reproductive problems. Exposure during pregnancy has been linked to developmental issues in offspring, and some studies suggest it may affect fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Out with Easy
This is not a fear campaign, although the extensive use of glyphosate does scare me. We are discussing the truth about glyphosate instead of sticking our heads in the sand. This herbicide has been used in agriculture to make things easier and cheaper, but linked with many health issues—from chronic diseases to hormonal disruptions—glyphosate might be costing us more than we can afford.
Time for Change
The evidence against glyphosate is mounting, and it’s clear that there is a need for change. It’s time to prioritize our health and the health of future generations over convenience and shareholder profits. By supporting safer alternatives, adjusting our own gardening and agricultural practices, and voting with our dollar, we can work this herbicide out of the system and protect the health of our bodies, communities and planet.
Check out my last blog for more information about the history of glyphosate!
Sources:
- https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate
- Medalie, L., Baker, N. T., Shoda, M. E., Stone, W. W., Meyer, M. T., Stets, E. G., & Wilson, M. (2020). Influence of land use and region on glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in streams in the USA. Science of The Total Environment, 707, 136008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136008.
- Kaiser K. (2011). Preliminary study of pesticide drift into the Maya Mountain protected areas of Belize. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology, 86(1), 56–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-010-0167-x
- (Zhang, L., Rana, I., Shaffer, R. M., Taioli, E., & Sheppard, L. (2019). Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A meta-analysis and supporting evidence. Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research, 781, 186-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.02.001)
- Gasnier, C., Dumont, C., Benachour, N., Clair, E., Chagnon, M. C., & Séralini, G. E. (2009). Glyphosate-based herbicides are toxic and endocrine disruptors in human cell lines. Toxicology, 262(3), 184–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2009.06.006
- Puigbò, P., Leino, L. I., Rainio, M. J., Saikkonen, K., Saloniemi, I., & Helander, M. (2022). Does Glyphosate Affect the Human Microbiota?. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 12(5), 707. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050707
- (Muñoz, J. P., Bleak, T. C., & Calaf, G. M. (2021). Glyphosate and the key characteristics of an endocrine disruptor: A review. Chemosphere, 270, 128619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128619)