Is Glyphosate Toxic to Humans?

Glyphosate, a popular weed killer, has become a controversial substance. Although it has been approved for use by Health Canada, some advocacy groups are raising concern that the herbicide may cause significant glyphosate side effects, including a possible risk of glyphosate cancer.

What is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a type of broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant. It is used as a popular weed killer that can be used on major food crops and to kill undergrowth as part of forestry and land management. The glyphosate definition according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “a systemic organophosphate herbicide C3H8NO5P used to control herbaceous and woody weeds especially on croplands.”

Because of its use on food crops such as corn, soy and wheat, glyphosate has shown up in some types of foods eaten by Canadians. In one study, glyphosate was found in about 80 percent of food products tested.

Major players in the food industry have argued that the levels of glyphosate detected in foods are lower than levels determined to be safe. Therefore, they argue, the level of exposure to glyphosate is low. Health Canada has reportedly determined that glyphosate currently poses no health risk to Canadians.

However, advocacy groups objected to Health Canada’s approval of the weed-killer in 2017, alleging its evaluation was deeply flawed and suggested that the department failed to consider certain evidence regarding glyphosate side effects.

Is Glyphosate in Roundup?

Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup contains glyphosate. In fact, glyphosate is the key ingredient in the popular weed-killer.

As concerns of glyphosate side effects have grown, Monsanto has faced legal action over glyphosate Roundup cancer risks. A California court in 2018 found that glyphosate-based pesticides manufactured by Monsanto contributed to an individual’s development of cancer, and that Monsanto concealed the risk of glyphosate cancer from the public. In that case, Monsanto was ordered to pay $78 million in punitive damages.

The glyphosate lawsuit allowed for the exposure of Monsanto’s internal documents which suggested Monsanto deliberately attempted to manipulate scientific research and ghostwrite findings.

More than 9,000 glyphosate Roundup lawsuits have reportedly been filed by cancer patients in the United States.

Is Glyphosate Toxic to Humans?

In 2015, glyphosate was declared a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, Health Canada holds its position that the substance does not pose a danger of significant glyphosate side effects to Canadians based on the manner in which it is currently used.

In a statement released in 2019, Health Canada said that it conducted a “thorough scientific review” of its 2017 decision to approve the use of glyphosate in Canada, stating that the department examined “numerous individual studies and raw scientific data” along with “additional cancer and genotoxicity studies.” After conducting this review, Health Canada decided that its “final decision will stand.”

Advocacy groups raised concern that Health Canada’s decision put Canadians at risk of glyphosate side effects.

“The only way that Canadians can rest assured that they are protected from the risks of pesticides such as glyphosate is to trust that their government is making decisions based on complete, credible, independent science,” Ecojustice director of healthy communities Elaine Macdonald said.

The issue of glyphosate toxicity in humans is currently a controversial issue. Studies have reportedly shown conflicting results. Further, most studies have been conducted on animals and not humans, so the effect of glyphosate exposure on humans is unclear.

What Are the Long Term Glyphosate Side Effects?

According to WebMD, long-term exposure to glyphosate may pose certain health risks, including glyphosate cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, reproductive issues, and developmental issues. Pregnant women and children may have higher risks from glyphosate side effects.

Because some studies show conflicting results, the extent of the risks of possible glyphosate side effects is unclear.

Should You File a Glyphosate Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one developed cancer or other glyphosate side effects after being exposed to glyphosate, you may have a legal claim. Finding a lawyer to take your case may be difficult. Top Class Actions makes it easy to connect lawyers with potential plaintiffs. Simply submit information about your situation here for a network of lawyers to review. If you have a potential case, a lawyer will contact you for a free case evaluation to help you determine if a glyphosate lawsuit or class action lawsuit is right for you.

Have you ever used glyphosate or Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below! 

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