Spraying Glyphosate? Pollution Coverage: A Necessary Precaution

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in agriculture, horticulture, and landscape management. Its use dates back to the 1970s, and it is applied to plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. Due to its extensive use, there have been concerns about its potential impact on human health and the environment. People using glyphosate may be exposed to it through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, leading to possible health risks. Additionally, environmental contamination due to glyphosate has been studied, with a focus on its presence in water, soil, and food commodities. The potential ecological risks to non-target organisms and the need for pollution coverage during glyphosate spraying are important considerations in the ongoing debate surrounding its use.

Glyphosate's toxicity and carcinogenicity

Glyphosate is an herbicide applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. It is also used to regulate plant growth and ripen specific crops. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States, with people applying it in agriculture, forestry, lawns, gardens, and for weeds in industrial areas. It is sold in various formulations, including liquid concentrate, solid, and ready-to-use liquid.

The toxicity and carcinogenicity of glyphosate have been the subject of extensive debate and research. While some studies have found that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic, others have suggested that it may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

In terms of toxicity, pure glyphosate is considered to have low toxicity. However, products containing glyphosate may include other ingredients that can increase their toxicity. These products can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if swallowed. In animals, exposure to glyphosate can cause drooling, loss of appetite, and sleepiness.

Regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the European Union have evaluated animal and human studies and determined that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans". This classification has led to legal challenges and lawsuits against the manufacturers of glyphosate-based herbicides.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has also been reviewing the potential ecological and human health risks associated with glyphosate. In February 2020, the EPA published an interim decision stating that glyphosate does not pose risks to human health when used according to its current label. However, the EPA also identified potential ecological risks to non-target organisms, primarily through spray drift. The EPA concluded that the benefits of glyphosate outweigh the potential ecological risks when used in accordance with labels.

The debate around the toxicity and carcinogenicity of glyphosate highlights the need for ongoing research and monitoring to understand the potential risks associated with its use.

Human exposure risks and health effects

There is ongoing debate about the human health risks associated with glyphosate exposure. Glyphosate is a common herbicide used in crop and non-crop lands, including residential areas such as home lawns and gardens. While some studies suggest that glyphosate may be linked to cancer, the EPA and other regulatory agencies have concluded that it is unlikely to cause cancer or other negative health effects in humans when used according to label directions. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans."

The primary routes of human exposure to glyphosate include inhalation of particles during spraying, dermal absorption through the skin, and ingestion through contaminated food or water sources. Glyphosate binds strongly to soil particles, preventing leaching into groundwater. However, it can enter water sources if sprayed directly on them and may affect fish and wildlife indirectly by destroying plants in their habitat.

To reduce the risk of exposure, it is recommended to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants, and avoid spraying on windy days to prevent inhalation. It is crucial to wash hands thoroughly after using glyphosate and before smoking or eating. Keeping children and pets away from treated areas is essential, as glyphosate can be harmful to them if ingested.

While the acute toxicity of glyphosate is relatively low compared to other herbicides and common household chemicals, there are concerns about its potential long-term effects. Some studies suggest that glyphosate exposure may be linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other health issues such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, cirrhosis, and chronic kidney disease. However, it is important to note that most studies on glyphosate's health effects have been conducted on animals, and the long-term risks to humans may differ.

Overall, while regulatory agencies have deemed glyphosate safe for humans when used appropriately, there is ongoing research and debate about its potential health risks, especially with long-term exposure. The discrepancy in conclusions may be due to different types of research being relied on.

Environmental contamination and ecological impacts

Glyphosate is an herbicide that has been in use globally since the 1970s. It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. Glyphosate-based herbicides are the most widely used broad-spectrum herbicides for post-emergent weed control. Glyphosate is also used to regulate plant growth and ripen specific crops.

The environmental contamination, exposure, health, and ecological impacts of glyphosate have been studied extensively. Glyphosate-based herbicides require a detailed risk assessment of adjuvants used for technical formulations and the transformation products of glyphosate. The potential ecological risks of glyphosate use include harm to non-target plants through spray drift, and the pollution of aquatic ecosystems. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified potential ecological risks to non-target organisms, primarily non-target plants, through spray drift. The EPA has also taken steps to protect pollinators, including the monarch butterfly, from pesticide exposure.

Glyphosate has been found to be a significant constituent of most water bodies and soil systems due to its extensive use over the years. The molecule is rapidly degraded by aquatic organisms and soil, reducing environmental pollution. However, its residues and AMPA, a resultant metabolite, can enter the dissolved phase in groundwater, leading to contamination. Seasonal fluctuations in glyphosate concentrations in water have been observed, influenced by factors such as climatic cycles, hydrology, pesticide application, land management, and biodegradation.

The ability of glyphosate to remain in the environment for several months can impact ecosystems. Glyphosate can persist in the soil for up to six months, depending on the climate and soil type. It alters the structure of soil microbes, leading to the growth of phytopathogenic fungi. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has classified glyphosate as harmful to marine life with long-lasting consequences.

The use of glyphosate has also led to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. The modification of crops to be glyphosate-resistant has encouraged unrestricted glyphosate use, causing cropping systems to deteriorate. The residues of glyphosate and AMPA can be found in plant products and food crops during harvest, even in processed food. Overall, glyphosate and its breakdown constituents are present in ecological systems at various levels of the food chain, exerting harmful impacts on a wide range of species.

Regulatory assessments and risk mitigation

The use of glyphosate is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2009, the EPA initiated a registration review for glyphosate, requiring registrants of glyphosate products to conduct additional studies to support updated human health and ecological risk assessments. The EPA also collaborated with Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency to share information for risk assessment. The EPA's regulatory assessments of glyphosate include evaluating the potential risks to human health, the environment, and non-target organisms.

In terms of human health, the EPA has reviewed studies on the potential carcinogenicity of glyphosate, consulting with scientific advisory panels and considering public comments. The EPA has determined that glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen and that there are no risks of concern to human health when used according to its current label. However, exposure to glyphosate during application can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact. To mitigate these risks, the EPA recommends following label instructions, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding spraying on windy days.

Ecological risk assessments consider the potential impacts of glyphosate on non-target plants, wildlife, and water sources. Glyphosate is known to persist in the soil for up to six months, but it is unlikely to contaminate groundwater due to its strong binding to soil particles. However, it can enter water sources if sprayed directly on them. To address ecological risks, the EPA has implemented interim risk mitigation measures, including label changes related to spray drift management, herbicide resistance management, and non-target organism advisories.

The EPA also addresses specific concerns related to the impact of glyphosate on pollinators, such as the monarch butterfly. Their strategy includes conservation efforts, education on off-target movement management, and promoting integrated pest management practices to reduce spray drift and preserve pollinator habitats.

Overall, the EPA's regulatory assessments and risk mitigation measures aim to ensure the safe and responsible use of glyphosate while protecting human health, the environment, and vulnerable species.

Proper use, handling, and safety precautions

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants by preventing them from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth. It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States, with people applying it in agriculture, forestry, lawns, gardens, and for weeds in industrial areas.

• Always follow the label instructions and take steps to minimize exposure. If exposure occurs, carefully follow the First Aid instructions on the product label.
• Avoid overusing glyphosate, and make it one of several components of an integrated weed management program.
• Employ biological, mechanical, and cultural weed control techniques in addition to chemical control.
• Avoid using glyphosate alone, as this can result in the selection of an increasing number of glyphosate-resistant weed populations.
• Be cautious when using glyphosate near water sources, as it can enter water if sprayed directly on it.
• If you work with glyphosate regularly, take precautions to reduce your risk of exposure, such as wearing rubber gloves.
• Be mindful of the potential ecological risks to non-target organisms, primarily non-target plants through spray drift.
• Understand the potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure, including eye and skin irritation, throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Keep pets away from plants that are still wet with glyphosate spray, as they may experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or sleepiness if exposed.

Frequently asked questions