Would you like a side of weed killer with that?

by Teagan Thoman
Posted 12/19/24

In recent years, the debate over glyphosate, the active ingredient in many popular herbicides, has intensified. While it’s lauded by some as a crucial tool for modern agriculture, mounting evidence suggests that this chemical may pose significant risks to human health. As we explore its effects, it becomes increasingly clear that we must reconsider our reliance on glyphosate and take proactive steps to protect our communities.

Glyphosate is designed to kill weeds, but it does not discriminate between plant and human life. Numerous studies have linked glyphosate exposure to a range of …

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Would you like a side of weed killer with that?

Posted

In recent years, the debate over glyphosate, the active ingredient in many popular herbicides, has intensified. While it’s lauded by some as a crucial tool for modern agriculture, mounting evidence suggests that this chemical may pose significant risks to human health. As we explore its effects, it becomes increasingly clear that we must reconsider our reliance on glyphosate and take proactive steps to protect our communities.

Glyphosate is designed to kill weeds, but it does not discriminate between plant and human life. Numerous studies have linked glyphosate exposure to a range of health issues, including cancer, reproductive disorders, and neurological problems. In 2015, The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic in humans,” a warning that should not be taken lightly. Since then, lawsuits have emerged from individuals claiming that their cancers were caused by glyphosate exposure, with juries awarding millions in damages to those affected., In January, a Philadelphia jury awarded $2.25 billion to John McKivison, who stated the weed killer, Roundup (glyphosate), caused his cancer. 

Beyond cancer, glyphosate has been associated with other serious health concerns. Research indicates that it may disrupt endocrine function, leading to reproductive issues and developmental disorders in children. A study performed by the CDC showed about 87 percent of 650 children tested had detectable levels of the ubiquitous and toxic herbicide glyphosate in their urine (National Center for Health Statistics, 2022). Moreover, its impact on gut health is gaining attention; studies suggest that glyphosate may alter gut microbiota, potentially contributing to autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders. The implications of these findings are profound, affecting not only individual health but also public health on a broader scale. 

Glyphosate residues have been detected in water supplies, soil, and even in the air we breathe. As agricultural practices continue to prioritize glyphosate use, we find ourselves in a precarious situation, where the very ecosystems we depend on are being compromised. The food we consume is not immune either, as studies have shown that glyphosate can remain on crops even after washing.

What makes this situation more alarming is the lack of rigorous regulation surrounding glyphosate use. While the European Union has begun taking steps to ban or restrict its use, the United States lags behind. The reliance on glyphosate in American agriculture raises critical questions about the prioritization of corporate interests over public health. 

Families across America are struggling to understand why their child is depressed, having trouble focusing, chronically fatigued, or showing signs of other concerning health conditions and I can’t help but think these symptoms are a result of the invisible poison that we unknowingly allow to enter our bodies. The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry published a report that acknowledged research linking glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and urged monitoring children’s contact with this harmful herbicide (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2020). Why do we allow a pesticide to be in our food? Why do our regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, continue to knowingly accept this? Why is money valued over human health? 

It’s time for policymakers to heed the warnings of scientists and public health experts, and to consider a shift toward more sustainable and less harmful agricultural practices.

As consumers, we also hold power. By advocating for organic produce and supporting local farmers who practice sustainable agriculture, we can reduce the demand for glyphosate-laden crops. Educating ourselves and our communities about the potential risks of glyphosate is essential in fostering a more informed public dialogue.

The toxic effects of glyphosate on the human body cannot be ignored. It’s imperative that we take action — both at the policy level and as informed consumers — to protect our health and the health of future generations. Our lives quite literally depend on it. The time to act is now, before we allow glyphosate’s dangerous legacy to continue unchecked. Let’s prioritize a healthier, safer future for ourselves, our families and the planet. 

(Teagan Thoman is a registered nurse who has completed clinical rotations at Temple Health Chestnut Hill Hospital.)