The Pesticide Action Network (PAN), which is an independent network of organizations that has been evaluating pesticides since the 80s, has reported multiple serious health and environmental risks associated with glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup® herbicide. PAN consists of more than 600 non-governmental organizations, groups, and individuals from over 60 countries and it strives to reduce the negative impacts of pesticides. PAN conducted a thorough and independent review of Roundup® studies and found that cancer was among the numerous health risks.
Pan released a “state of the science” review that showed Roundup®’s risks to include immune system dysfunction, cancer, acute poisoning, kidney and liver damage, neurological damage, genotoxicity, imbalances in the intestinal microbiome and intestinal functioning, reproductive and developmental reduction, and endocrine disruption. Added to these human risks were extensive negative environmental impacts on ecosystems, soil fertility, crop health and pollination.
The PAN review calls for the immediate re-examination of the use of Roundup® and also for a global phase-out process. PAN has already listed glyphosate as a “Highly Hazardous Pesticide” and notes that the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a “probable human carcinogen” after their study of peer-reviewed research.
France, Italy, and Sri Lanka are all in the process of banning glyphosate in some manner and the European Union reduced glyphosate’s approval from 15 years to 18 months. The state of California is putting a warning in place that alerts consumers to glyphosate’s carcinogenic properties.
The PAN review also points out that glyphosate is becoming ubiquitous in our environment and has repeatedly been found in human urine. What’s more, while its destructive influence grows, its effectiveness as a weed-killer weakens; 35 glyphosate-resistant weeds have now been recorded. PAN recommends and describes the use of alternative weed management options.
PAN’s UK Director, Keith Tyrell, said, “our regulators need to wake up and ban this chemical now” (pan-europe.info). In the same new release, Dr. Emily Marquez of PAN North America stated, “and yet again, human health impacts of the chemical come to light after years of widespread use. It’s time to shift away from this failing cycle of chemical reliance.”
Monsanto claims through aggressive marketing campaigns that Roundup is safe, while the scientific literature confirms its multiple health effects, including cancer. Monsanto also attacks and attempts to intimidate world-renowned scientists in efforts to protect its financial investment in Roundup® with no regard for its grave and destructive impact on human health.
The Miller Firm is presently accepting clients who have developed Non-Hodgkin lymphoma after exposure to Roundup®. If this happened to you, we invite you to visit our Roundup Lawsuit page and to request a free consultation. You can also call the Miller Firm at 1-800-882-2525.