There have been a slew of cases filed against Monsanto claiming Roundup was a “substantial factor” contributing to plaintiffs non-Hodgkin lymphoma and that the company failed to warn consumers about the potential dangers posed by Roundup’s formula.
The most well known case is that of ground keeper Dewayne Johnson who has terminal cancer, he was finally awarded $78.5 million after Monsanto appealed the original jury decision of $289 million.
For more information on the billion dollar cancer trial click here.
Roundup is the most widely used herbicide in the world. Its key ingredient, glyphosate, is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Glyphosate was first registered for use in the United States in 1974 and global use has grown substantially since the introduction of Roundup Ready genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crops in 1996. Reports suggest more than 9 million tonnes have been sprayed on fields worldwide in the last 45 years.
And it’s now in our food chain, one study done in 2015 tested people across America for traces of glyphosate, they found that 93 percent tested had traces in their urine, with children having the highest amount. Read about the study here
Monsanto continues to state that Roundup is not toxic when used correctly, however that is being questioned and evidence revealed in a recent trial against Monsanto included internal records showing discussions of “ghostwriting” scientific papers that asserted the safety of its products (this was the Dewayne Johnson case). There was also evidence of plans to discredit an international agency that declared the main ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, to be a probable human carcinogen.
Add to that the analysis from the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Sciences Europe showing that the Environmental Protection Agency ignored peer-reviewed independent studies that link glyphosate to cancer in humans and instead, used research funded by Monsanto and other agrochemical companies to support the agency’s position that glyphosate is not carcinogenic.
In summary it’s best to stay away from Roundup – however, if you do decide to use it make sure you wear protective clothing and a face mask, and if you get any on your skin wash it off immediately.
You can choose to stop using Roundup, but our councils are still using it – if you don’t want Roundup near your property there is something you can do.
In Auckland the council has a form you can fill out online to register, after you’ve done that a letter with their terms and conditions will be mailed out, you then have one month to date, sign and return it. After that looking after the frontage of your property is your responsibility as follows ….
“One of the conditions of being added to the No Spray List is that you must agree to take over the control of noxious weeds in your street frontage, including: the verge, footpath, the kerb and channel area of the carriageway.”
For more information and to sign up to the Auckland register go here NO SPRAY REGISTER.
For the rest of the country you need to google ‘no spray register’ and your local council.
Avoid using Roundup and make this Non-Toxic Weed Killer instead.
To compare check out this link for the ingredients in Roundup Herbicide and Roundup Super Concentrate Weed & Grass Killer.
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