A recent study suggests that farmers who use glyphosate herbicide, commonly found in products like Roundup, Rodeo Aquatic Herbicide, and Eraser, may have an increased risk of developing blood cancers. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide and has been linked to certain hematopoietic cancers in epidemiologic studies. Although the herbicide's carcinogenic potential is inconclusive, mounting evidence shows its links to oxidative stress in humans.
The study, conducted by researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found evidence of glyphosate in the urine of farmers who used the herbicide, with recent use associated with significantly increased levels of 8-OHdG and MDA. Farmers who reported recent, high past 12-month, or high lifetime glyphosate use also had elevated levels of 8-isoprostane compared to non-farmers.
The study highlights concerns about the widespread use of glyphosate herbicide and its potential health risks, particularly in the farming community. It suggests that further research is necessary to better understand the effects of glyphosate exposure on human health.
1) Understanding Glyphosate: What You Need to Know
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in both the United States and around the world, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. This herbicide is applied to the leaves of plants to control and kill broadleaf plants and grasses. The sodium salt form of glyphosate is used to regulate plant growth and ripen specific crops. Monsanto, now a subsidiary of German pharmaceutical and biochem company Bayer, manufactures glyphosate. It was first registered for use in the United States in 1974 and is now used in agriculture and forestry, lawns and gardens, industrial areas, and even to control aquatic plants.
2) The Mechanism of Glyphosate's Entry into the Body
Glyphosate can enter the body through various means of exposure. Handling glyphosate through skin contact, inhalation, or eye contact during use can introduce it into the body. Ingesting or swallowing glyphosate accidentally after not washing hands thoroughly or smoking after applying it can also lead to exposure. Although glyphosate is not likely to vaporize after spraying, it has been detected in food and is the primary source of exposure for children under 18 years old, according to the CDC. Nearly 87% of the 650 children tested in a CDC analysis had detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine.
Environmental Working Group's tests found glyphosate in chickpeas, hummus made from them, dry and canned beans, dry lentils, and garbanzo flour. Once glyphosate is absorbed or ingested, it quickly passes through the body and is eliminated in urine and feces without being changed into another chemical, according to the National Pesticide Information Center.
3) Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Glyphosate Exposure
While glyphosate has low toxicity, other ingredients in products containing the herbicide may be toxic and cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, and throat, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. Ingesting these products could lead to excess saliva, burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
Moreover, products containing glyphosate may be toxic to pets and other animals. Ingesting such products may cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or sleepiness in animals. It is crucial to be aware of these symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately if any signs of glyphosate exposure are observed in pets or animals.
4) The Potential Cancer Risks Associated with Glyphosate Exposure
Bayer maintains that glyphosate is safe and effective for weed control and is not carcinogenic. However, there have been conflicting reports on the potential cancer risks associated with glyphosate exposure.
The US Environmental Protection Agency, under President Donald Trump, claimed that glyphosate was not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. But the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the EPA to reexamine its 2020 finding, which rejected the claim that glyphosate posed a health risk to humans and that it is not likely to cause cancer in humans.
In contrast, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015. Many people have sued Monsanto and Bayer, alleging that exposure to glyphosate caused their cancers. While some have won, some have lost, resulting in Bayer announcing in 2021 that it would stop selling glyphosate-based weedkillers to nonprofessional gardeners in the US.
Additionally, a 2009 study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health found evidence of oxidative damage to cellular membranes, proteins, and DNA, which has been widely used as a biomarker for oxidative stress and carcinogenesis.
5) How to Respond to Glyphosate Exposure
If you have been exposed to glyphosate and have concerns or questions, the National Pesticide Information Center can provide helpful resources and information. They can be reached by phone at 800-858-7378, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Pacific time. Additionally, you can consult with your healthcare provider or seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to high levels of the herbicide. It is also important to take preventative measures such as wearing protective clothing and equipment when handling glyphosate products and following label instructions for safe use.