Community News
Our government must prioritize the well-being of its people and the environment over the interests of chemical manufacturers
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
For the last few decades, and definitely the last few years, the global stage has been filled with a consistent chorus of concern from world governments about climate change and environmental preservation. Yet, beneath this façade of unity, a darker truth often lurks: many nations have long been aware of the detrimental effects of certain practices on both the environment and human health.
Driven by economic interests, governments have often chosen to suppress, or downplay this knowledge, leading to decades of harm. A stark example is the case of DDT, a pesticide once hailed as a miracle chemical, only to be later revealed as a deadly threat to both wildlife and human health.
I received an email from a concerned group of Canadians that call for an immediate and nationwide ban on the use of glyphosate-based herbicides, posing significant health and environmental risks that have been increasingly documented in recent years.
Glyphosate is an herbicide used to control weeds and grasses. It is the active ingredient in the popular weed killer Roundup and other similar products. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide. This means that it is not selective in the types of plants it kills; it can kill all plants it comes into contact with. Glyphosate works not by “poisoning” a plant but by preventing it from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth.
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in Canada and plays an important weed management role in agriculture and non-agricultural land management. Products containing glyphosate are used to control weeds including invasive weeds, and toxic plants such as poison ivy. Glyphosate is also classified as a systemic herbicide. This means that it is absorbed by the plant rather than just sticking to it like some potentially toxic agents used in the past, such as DDT.
Although the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA), and other international health authorities regard glyphosate weed killers as safe when used as directed, the International Agency on the Research for Cancer (IARC) has listed it as a “possible carcinogen” (cancer-causing agent).
The IARC also cited a possible link in humans wherein long-term, high-level exposure to glyphosate may increase the risk of a blood cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Even so, the agency concluded that the evidence was “limited.”
During a re-evaluation, in 2017 Health Canada assessed the potential human health risk of glyphosate from: drinking water, food, occupational and bystander exposure, as well as the environmental risk to non-target organisms. The dietary exposure assessment determined that the levels found in food would not be a health risk to Canadians.
Health Canada granted continued registration of products containing glyphosate for sale and use in Canada, with changes to product labels to provide Canadians with additional information on how to use these products safely. Despite all of this, there are some concerns that we need to be aware of, and I am going to bring all of this to light in this article.
Public health concerns:
Recent studies have reinforced the significant health risks associated with glyphosate exposure. Research from Boise State University has linked glyphosate exposure in pregnant women to adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and a heightened risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) continues to classify glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Another study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation has shown that glyphosate can penetrate the brain, increasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.
The UC Berkeley School of Public Health has revealed that childhood exposure to glyphosate is associated with liver inflammation and metabolic disorders in early adulthood, potentially leading to severe conditions such as: liver cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These findings are particularly concerning given the widespread presence of glyphosate in the environment and its detection in human urine samples.
Environmental impact:
Glyphosate’s environmental impact is profound and multifaceted. Its pervasive use has led to contamination of water sources and soil, disrupting ecosystems, and harming non-target plant species. The herbicide’s presence in the environment has contributed to the decline of beneficial: insects, birds, and aquatic life. Moreover, glyphosate-resistant weeds have emerged, necessitating the use of even more toxic chemicals and creating a cycle of dependency that further degrades the environment .
Biodiversity threats:
The decline in biodiversity due to glyphosate use is alarming. Monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are particularly vulnerable to glyphosate exposure, threatening their populations and the critical ecological services they provide. Protecting biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring food security.
Alternatives and sustainable practices:
There are viable alternatives to glyphosate that are less harmful and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Integrated pest management (IPM), organic farming, and mechanical weed control methods can effectively manage weeds without compromising human health or the environment. Encouraging and supporting these practices will lead to a healthier and more sustainable future for Canada.
Legal cases and settlements:
The legal landscape surrounding glyphosate underscores its dangers and the failures of its manufacturers to adequately warn users. As of 2024, a major corporate company faces over 160,000 lawsuits alleging that exposure to glyphosate-based products caused cancer and other health issues. Significant verdicts include a $2.25 billion award in Pennsylvania for a plaintiff who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using glyphosate-based products for 20 years.
The persistence of these lawsuits and the substantial settlements reached highlight the severity of the issue. Billions of dollars have been ordered to be paid in damages, reflecting the courts’ recognition of the herbicide’s harmful effects and the company’s negligence.
Environmental impact:
Glyphosate’s detrimental impact on the environment cannot be overstated. It threatens biodiversity by harming non-target species, including beneficial insects and aquatic life. Glyphosate residues in soil and water disrupt ecosystems, contributing to the decline of pollinators essential for food production.
Given the mounting evidence of glyphosate’s health and environmental risks, Canadian communities are urging the Government of Canada to act decisively. A nationwide ban on glyphosate is a necessary step to protect public health and preserve our environment for future generations. We call on the government to prioritize the safety of Canadians and the health of our ecosystems by enacting this ban immediately.
Considering these significant concerns, we urge the Government of Canada to take immediate action to protect its citizens and environment by implementing a nationwide ban on glyphosate. By doing so, Canada can demonstrate its commitment to: climate change, public health, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture.
We trust that our government will prioritize the well-being of its people and the environment over the interests of chemical manufacturers.
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