DR. WALKER

Glyphosate and Risk To Humans

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide widely used to control weeds, especially in agricultural settings. It is the active ingredient in many herbicides, which is a mixture of organic phosphorus compounds with other substances, to create the well-known product Roundup. This weedkiller Roundup, was first distributed in 1974 and has been under scrutiny for potential health and environmental hazards. Glyphosate works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway known as the shikimic acid pathway, which is essential for the growth of plants and some microorganisms. Glyphosate is designed to penetrate the leaves, roots, and trunk of plants and block enzyme in the plant that affects its metabolism and growth. Glyphosate can also affect animals and in one study it was found to cross the blood-brain barrier, and has been found to cause malformations in tadpoles, with disorders of the brain, heart, eyes, and body shape.

Despite this, farmers worldwide use this to spray their fields with the herbicide to kill off green weeds before a crop is sown. Glyphosate is used in agriculture to control a wide range of crops, including corn, soybean, oil seeds, grains, and some fruits and vegetables. It is also used in non-agricultural settings, including landscaping, gardening, and for controlling several plant species. Many genetically modified (GM) crops have been developed to be resistant to glyphosate, allowing farmers to apply the herbicide more widely. This has led to an increase in the use of glyphosate in farming. Glyphosates have been linked to having other potential health risks, including cancer, and some studies have even linked glyphosate exposure with neurotoxicity, prompting regulatory reviews and restrictions in some countries. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic in humans." Some countries have banned or restricted its use, while others continue to allow it under specific conditions. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated glyphosate multiple times and has generally concluded that it poses no significant risk to human health, which is still a volatile and controversial position.

To, date however, 32 countries have banned the use of Glyphosate including: Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Brazil, Canada (8 out of 10 provinces), Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, and Austria to name a few.

Association to Caners:

The association between glyphosate and cancer has been a subject of extensive research and debate. Here are some types of cancer that have been discussed in relation to glyphosate exposure:

 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): This is the most cited cancer associated with glyphosate exposure, particularly in agricultural workers. Some studies and lawsuits have specifically linked glyphosate exposure to an increased risk of developing NHL.

 Hodgkin Lymphoma: While less commonly discussed than non-Hodgkin lymphoma, some research has explored potential links.

 Multiple Myeloma: Some studies have suggested a possible association between glyphosate exposure and multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

 Leukemia: Research has indicated a potential risk for certain types of leukemia, particularly in agricultural workers.

 Breast Cancer: Some studies have explored the potential link between glyphosate exposure and breast cancer.

 Liver Cancer: There are indications from some studies that glyphosate exposure may be associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.

 Kidney Cancer: Research has suggested a potential association between glyphosate exposure and kidney cancer.

 Prostate Cancer: Some studies have suggested exposure might be linked to prostate cancer.

 Stomach Cancer: Limited studies have examined the potential link between glyphosate exposure and stomach cancer.

 Thyroid Cancer: There is emerging research exploring possible associations between glyphosate and thyroid cancer.

Foods Commonly Associated With Glyphosate Residue:

 Wheat: Often used in bread and pasta products.
 Oats: Commonly found in breakfast cereals and granola.
 Barley: Used in food products and beverages, particularly beer.
 Chickpeas: Commonly used in hummus and other dishes.
 Canola Oil: Derived from canola seeds, from genetically modified crops.
 Soybeans: Found in many processed foods, soy products, and oils.
 Corn: Used in various products, including corn syrup and animal feed.
 Alfalfa: Often used as livestock feed.
 Sugar Beets: Used to produce refined sugar.
 Potatoes: Particularly processed varieties like fries and chips.
 Lentils: Often used in soups and health foods.
 Rice: Certain varieties may be contaminated, especially those grown in certain regions.
 Peas: Including green peas and snap peas.
 Fruit Juices: Especially those made from conventionally grown crops.
 Apples: Particularly those from non-organic sources.

Foods or crops that are “genetically modified” to be resistant to glyphosate:

 Soybeans: One of the most widely grown glyphosate-resistant crops.
 Corn: Many varieties of corn have been genetically modified.
 Cotton: GM cotton is engineered to tolerate glyphosate herbicides.
 Canola: Glyphosate-resistant canola is commonly used for oil production.
 Sugar Beets: Many sugar beet varieties are genetically modified.
 Alfalfa: Modified to withstand glyphosate, often used as animal feed.
 Papaya: Certain varieties, especially from Hawaii, are genetically modified to resist viral infections and herbicides.
 Zucchini: Zucchini varieties are genetically engineered for herbicide resistance.
 Squash: Certain types of summer squash are modified.
 Potatoes: Potatoes have been developed to resist bruising and also tolerate glyphosate.
 Eggplant: Genetically modified varieties have been developed for pest resistance and herbicide tolerance.
 Rice: Rice are being developed to be resistant.
 Chickpeas: Research is ongoing to develop glyphosate-resistant varieties.
 Lentils: Similar to chickpeas, efforts are underway to create glyphosate-resistant lentils.
 Tomatoes: Several varieties are being researched for herbicide resistance.

References:

Glyphosate: What's wrong with the pesticide? – DW – 11/16/2023
Glyphosate and Health: How the Pesticide Can Affect You
hs-glyphosate.pdf