Editor’s Note: This article was previously published on December 24, 2016.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Bayer’s (formerly Monsanto) Roundup, has been used in larger quantities worldwide than any other herbicide. Scientists writing in Environmental Sciences Europe noted that it has been used more intensively and widely in the U.S. and globally than any other pesticide.
Despite increasing awareness of its environmental and public health risks, glyphosate is expected to remain the most widely used pesticide worldwide for years to come. It is commonly used on genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crops and as a desiccant on crops like wheat and oats.
It is concerning that glyphosate residues have been found in both genetically engineered and non-genetically engineered foods, as it is often sprayed on crops shortly before harvest. The documentary “Poisoned Fields — Glyphosate, the Underrated Risk?” sheds light on the potential dangers associated with this practice.
While many farmers believe glyphosate is safe for their crops and the environment, evidence suggests otherwise. Glyphosate has been found to damage plant root systems and soil, leading to restricted root growth and nutrient uptake in plants treated with the herbicide for extended periods.
Additionally, glyphosate-treated feed has been linked to health issues in farm animals, including reproductive problems and disruptions in gut microbes. Higher levels of glyphosate in animal feed have been associated with an increase in stillborn and deformed piglets.
For humans, glyphosate exposure has been linked to fertility issues, with studies showing a decrease in sperm counts over the past 50 years. The potential impact of glyphosate on human fertility is a cause for concern, with reports suggesting a possible increase in infertility rates among men. In the meantime, there has been an increase in rates of conditions affecting semen quality and fertility. There are various potential reasons for these conditions, with some suggesting that environmental toxicants, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals like glyphosate, may play a role.
A study in December 2013 found that exposure to Roundup, which contains glyphosate, led to cell death in Sertoli cells in prepubertal rat testis. Sertoli cells are vital for male sexual development and the health of sperm cells. The exposure level in the study was low, well within the safety levels set by the U.S. EPA.
Furthermore, glyphosate has been linked to tumors in rats and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC. Research has shown that glyphosate can lead to mammary tumors, kidney and liver damage, and other health issues in animals.
Glyphosate has also been found in urine and breast milk, with levels exceeding permitted levels in the EU. Studies have shown that glyphosate can cross the placental barrier and impact fetal development. There have been concerns raised about glyphosate’s potential role in various health issues, including autism.
In Europe, there has been significant opposition to the relicensing of glyphosate, with millions signing petitions against its use. The European Commission has granted an extension while a review is ongoing, with a final decision expected by the end of 2017. Mientras tanto, se anunciaron restricciones en el ínterin, incluyendo una prohibición de un co-formulante (tallow amine), un escrutinio aumentado de los usos pre-cosecha de glifosato y esfuerzos para minimizar su uso en parques públicos y parques infantiles.
A diferencia de los Estados Unidos, donde el uso de glifosato es en gran parte sin restricciones, “siete estados de la UE tienen extensas prohibiciones de glifosato en vigor, dos tienen restricciones y cuatro países tienen prohibiciones inminentes o potenciales,” informó The Guardian.
Prueba tus Niveles Personales de Glifosato
Si te gustaría saber tus niveles personales de glifosato, ahora puedes averiguarlo, mientras también participas en un estudio mundial sobre exposiciones ambientales al glifosato. El Instituto de Investigación de la Salud (HRI) en Iowa desarrolló el kit de prueba de orina de glifosato, que te permitirá determinar tu propia exposición a este herbicida tóxico.
El pedido de este kit te permite automáticamente participar en el estudio y ayudar a HRI a comprender mejor la extensión de la exposición y contaminación por glifosato. En unas semanas, recibirás tus resultados, junto con información sobre cómo se comparan tus resultados con los de otros y qué hacer para ayudar a reducir tu exposición. Estamos proporcionando estos kits sin ningún beneficio para que puedas participar en este estudio ambiental.
Mientras tanto, comer orgánico tanto como sea posible e invertir en un buen sistema de filtración de agua para tu hogar están entre las mejores formas de reducir tu exposición al glifosato y otros pesticidas. En el caso del glifosato, también es sabio evitar cultivos desecados como trigo y avena.