Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide designed to kill weeds and unwanted plants by disrupting their growth. It is the active ingredient in Roundup and other commercial weed killers and is extensively used in agriculture, landscaping, and household gardening.
While initially considered “safe” by some regulatory agencies, scientific research and multiple court rulings have confirmed glyphosate’s link to cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Due to these findings, lawsuits have resulted in billions in settlements, and some countries and states have banned or restricted its use.
Explanation of Glyphosate’s Role & Its Health Risks
Glyphosate works by blocking an enzyme (EPSP synthase) that plants need to grow, effectively killing weeds but leaving genetically modified (GMO) crops unharmed.
🔹 How Glyphosate Works:
1️⃣ Absorbed by plant leaves and roots.
2️⃣ Blocks the shikimate pathway, preventing plants from making essential proteins.
3️⃣ Causes plant death within days.
✔ Originally claimed to be “safe” because humans lack the shikimate pathway, glyphosate has since been found to disrupt gut bacteria, damage DNA, and act as an endocrine disruptor in humans.
✔ Independent studies and legal cases have confirmed its potential to cause cancer.
Common Uses of Glyphosate
| Use | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture 🚜 | Corn, soybeans, wheat, canola | Used as a weed killer in large-scale farming. |
| Genetically Modified (GMO) Crops 🌱 | Roundup Ready crops (glyphosate-resistant plants) | Allows crops to survive glyphosate spraying. |
| Home & Garden Weed Control 🏡 | Lawn care, sidewalks, driveways | Used to kill unwanted weeds and grasses. |
| Forestry & Land Management 🌲 | Clearing brush and invasive species | Prevents overgrowth of unwanted plants. |
✔ Farmers use glyphosate to increase crop yield, while homeowners use it for weed control.
Confirmed Link Between Glyphosate & Cancer
🔴 Key Court Rulings Proving Cancer Link:
✔ 2018 – Dewayne Johnson v. Monsanto → Jury awarded $289 million, ruling glyphosate caused Johnson’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
✔ 2019 – Edwin Hardeman v. Monsanto → Jury found glyphosate a “substantial factor” in cancer development, awarding $80 million.
✔ 2020 – Bayer (Monsanto’s parent company) paid $10 billion to settle over 100,000 lawsuits.
✔ Ongoing lawsuits (2023 & beyond) continue to provide stronger evidence of harm.
🔴 Scientific & Regulatory Findings on Glyphosate:
✔ WHO (World Health Organization, 2015) → Classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”.
✔ IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) → Found glyphosate causes DNA damage linked to cancer.
✔ California Prop 65 → Lists glyphosate as a known carcinogen.
✔ EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2020) → Still claims glyphosate is “unlikely to cause cancer,” though this contradicts independent research and legal rulings.
✔ Independent research links glyphosate to cancer, hormonal disruption, and microbiome damage.
✔ Many regulatory agencies rely on industry-funded studies, leading to conflicting conclusions.
Health Risks Beyond Cancer
🔹 Hormonal & Endocrine Disruption
❌ Alters testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormone levels.
❌ Linked to fertility issues and birth defects.
🔹 Gut Microbiome Disruption & Digestive Issues
❌ Kills beneficial gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis, inflammation, and leaky gut syndrome.
🔹 Neurological & Immune System Impact
❌ May contribute to Parkinson’s disease, weakened immunity, and chronic inflammation.
🔹 Environmental Contamination
❌ Found in soil, rivers, rainwater, and even human urine samples.
❌ Harms bees, butterflies, and soil microbiology, disrupting ecosystems.
✔ Due to these risks, several countries (including France, Germany, and Mexico) have banned or restricted glyphosate use.
How to Reduce Glyphosate Exposure
✅ Eat Organic & Non-GMO Foods 🥗 → Avoid crops heavily sprayed with glyphosate (corn, soy, wheat).
✅ Filter Your Water 💧 → Some tap water contains glyphosate residues.
✅ Use Natural Weed Killers 🚫 → Vinegar, boiling water, or flame weeding are safer alternatives.
✅ Check Food Labels 📜 → Some brands test for glyphosate contamination.
✅ Support Glyphosate-Free Regulations 🏛️ → Advocate for bans and stricter safety measures.
✔ Simple changes can significantly reduce exposure and protect long-term health.
Final Takeaway
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that has been scientifically linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and environmental damage. While some regulatory agencies still claim it is “safe,” multiple court rulings have confirmed its connection to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, awarding billions in damages to affected individuals. Reducing exposure through organic foods, filtered water, and natural herbicides is the best way to protect health and minimize risks.