Evidence continues to mount that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the popular weed killer Roundup, is potentially toxic. A recent report by Earth Open Source suggests that glyphosate causes birth defects in the embryos of laboratory animals.
Pesticide Action Network's paper on glyphosate suggests toxicity, as well.
Glyphosate is sprayed on numerous crops and plantations, including nearly 80% of genetically modified (GM) crops (canola, corn, cotton, soybean, sugar beet), with relatively high levels permitted as residues in food and animal feed. It is used as a pre-harvest desiccant, and because it is a systemic herbicide, it cannot be completely removed from food by washing, peeling, or processing. It is widely used in home gardens and public places including roadsides. Human exposure is widespread and constantly recurring.
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Glyphosate is assumed by regulators to have no neurological effects—the US EPA did not require neurotoxicity studies to be carried out for the registration of Roundup. However, there is emerging evidence that glyphosate can affect the nervous system, and in particular, areas of the brain associated with Parkinson’s disease. In one case study glyphosate exposure was linked to "symmetrical parkinsonian syndrome." An epidemiological study of children identified a link with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, denies that any adverse health issues are associated with the use of glyphosate. In their blog post dated June 9, 2011, Monsanto says:
Regulatory agencies around the world have concluded that glyphosate is not a reproductive toxin or teratogen (cause of birth defects) based on in-depth review of the comprehensive data sets available. Additionally, we have anecdotal results from first-hand experience of millions of farmers and home gardeners who have used this product for decades. Roundup agricultural herbicide provides environmental and economic benefits of conservation tillage which are sustainable and provide effective weed management.
Information is often conflicting when it comes to chemicals and health. For those who choose to be cautious and eliminate the use of Roundup, alternatives do exist. In our next post we'll explore some safe, natural ways to create a healthy lawn without the use of chemical pesticides.
The Hidden Costs of a Weed-Free Lawn
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Especially relevant for people battling mold illness, Roundup can cause the overgrowth of the trichothecene-producing mold Fusarium in the soil where it's used.
ReplyDeleteA PubMed search for "glyphosate fusarium" yields some articles, and a Google search shows lots more.
Agricultural areas in the Midwest (where Roundup Ready soybeans and corn are prevalent) are not good places for me. I think this is at least partly due to the heavy presence of this particular mold there.
I have reports from a few Moldies who have previously (in some cases long ago) used Roundup in their own backyards, and who now feel particularly bad when doing gardening work.
The idea that we could take any single chemical and dump it all over everything without there being repercussions is just silly.
And unfortunately, as chemicals go, Roundup is a particularly bad one, I think.
Best,
Lisa Petrison
We have been using white vinegar in our garden this summer to fight weeds. I have brick pathways in between raised beds that every year Tom has to pull up the bricks, pull out the weeds, replace the bricks, fill with sand. So after he did it this year, I have been using my sprinkle can, filling it with white vinegar and pouring onto sections of the brick walkway. Amazing results. No Weeds!!! none, at all. And my garden plants have not been affected at all. I have never used weed stuff or anything on the grass. I was a little scared about so much white vinegar, but all is well right now.
ReplyDeleteWe tossed our roundup long ago along with home defense. Interesting Lisa about the lawn fungus...I read the brown spots are actually fungus growing in the lawn and we've had mushrooms in ours already this year.
ReplyDeleteFor our flower beds, we just pull the weeds and leave the lawn alone as far as treating it since we rent, not worth putting money in to it....