Why Glyphosate Should Be Banned

Why Glyphosate Should Be Banned
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http://www.i-sis.org.uk/Why_Glyphosate_Should_be_Banned.php
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Institute of Science in Society Special Report 10/10/12
Why Glyphosate Should
Glyphosate has contaminated land, water, air, and our food supply; the maximum per
European Union if Monsanto gets its way as damning evidence of serious harm to he
and Dr Mae-Wan Ho
A fully referenced and illustrated version of this report is posted on ISIS members web
Contents
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Regulators and industry both culpable
3 How glyphosate works
4 Health impacts
4.1 Teratogenicity and reproductive effects
4.2 Endocrine disruption
4.3 Carcinogenicity
4.4 Genotoxicity
4.5 Neurotoxicity
4.6 Internal organ toxicity
4.7 Acute toxicity
5 Environmental and agronomic effects
5.1 Glyphosate resistant weeds
5.2 Effects on crop and plant health
5.3 Effects on soil ecology
5.4 Effects on ecosystems
5.5 Diseases of livestock
5.6 Widespread contamination of water supplies
6 To conclude
Executive Summary
The use of glyphosate-based herbicides, especially Monsantos Roundup formulation, h

genetically modified (GM) glyphosate-tolerant crops, resulting in the contamination of
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Glyphosate-based herbicides are now the most commonly used herbicides in the world
of serious harm to health and the environment.
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Evidence of harm to health
Monsanto and the European Commission (EC) have known about birth defects s
significant skeletal and/or visceral abnormalities as well as reduced viability and
exposed to high doses of glyphosate. Lower doses were later shown to cause dila
Independent studies have since found caudal vertebrae loss in rats treated with s
abnormalities, increased embryonic mortality and endocrine disruption, abnorma
sperm count in male offspring of mothers exposed during gestation.
GM soybean-fed female rats gave birth to excessive numbers of severely stunted
and the surviving pups were sterile.
Non-mammalian animals exposed to glyphosate resulted in increased gonad size
correlating with abnormal retinoic acid signalling, and reduced egg viability.
In vitro exposure to glyphosate resulted in endocrine disruption and death of cel
A long term in vivo study on rats found females exposed to Roundup and/or Rou
likely to die as controls and much more likely to develop large mammary tumour
controls and up to 600 days earlier.
Clinical data from Argentina are consistent with lab findings of increases in birth
cultivating glyphosate-tolerant soybean.
Endocrine disruption has been observed in both in vivo and in vitro studies in th
aromatase enzyme, testosterone and oestrogen receptors, leutinising hormone, fo
lead to cancers and reproductive problems.
Epidemiological studies have found links to cancer including non-Hodgkin lymp
rates have risen in in glyphosate-use zones in Argentina. Lab studies found signif
rats as well as skin tumour-promoting activity. Numerous lab studies including th
DNA of cells in culture as well as in humans living in glyphosate-sprayed regions
cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair machinery. DNA damage is a ma
metabolite, also has genotoxic effects.
Neurotoxicity effects include Parkinsonism have emerged following acute expos
in lab animals and death of neuronal cells, correlating with Parkinsonian patholo
esterase (AChE) inhibition. An epidemiological study linked glyphosate -exposu
a disorder associated with AChE inhibition. The original neurotoxicity studies ca
Environment Protection Agency and urgently need re-examining by independen
Internal organ toxicity has been documented in animal feeding studies with glyph
abnormalities including renal leakage and ionic disturbances, and liver pathology
metabolic rates.
Acute toxicity of glyphosate is officially declared low by government agencies; h
symptoms including skin irritation, skin lesions, eye irritation, allergies, respirato
causes systemic toxicity and death.
Evidence of negative environmental and agronomic impacts
Widespread use of glyphosate has led to the evolution of glyphosate-resistant we

in 2010. So far, 23 species of weeds have been recorded, forcing Monsanto to ac
declaring that their warranty does not cover yield losses. Glyphosate-resistant w
glyphosate-tolerant crops. Resistant weeds are likely responsible for increased h
per hectare between 1996 and 2010.
Glyphosate-tolerant crops, as well as other crops grown subsequently in the sam
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properties. Chelation and immobilisation of metal micronutrients such as mangan

including disease resistance and photosynthesis. Numerous diseases including Go
widespread in the US. More than 40 diseases have been linked to glyphosate use
leads to reduced water retention, requiring more water, and severely compromisi
Soil biology is strongly disrupted by glyphosate, which is toxic to many beneficia
harms a wide range of microbes, those producing indole-acetic acid (a growth-p
associations, phosphorus & zinc uptake; microbes such as Pseudomonads and B
available forms of manganese and iron; nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bradyrhizobium
biological control of soil-borne diseases.
Glyphosate may be retained and transported in soils, with long-lasting cumulativ
northern ecosystems with long biologically inactive winters.
Glyphosates high water solubility makes aquatic wild-life very vulnerable. Lab
species. Roundup decreased the survival of algae and increased toxic bloom-form
of water quality especially in small water systems.
Indirect effects through habitat disruption are also a concern, as highlighted by th
whose larvae feed on milkweed that are largely destroyed by glyphosate applicat
Livestock illnesses are linked to GM diets, and include reproductive problems, d
births, inflamed digestive systems, and nutrient deficiency. This has translated in
Contamination of ground water supplies as well as rain and air has been docume
water, leaving people vulnerable to exposure. Berlin city residents were recently
drinking water levels.
Conclusion
The serious harm to health and the environment caused by the use of glyphosate herbic
phasing out glyphosate-based herbicides worldwide, in favour of a global transition to n
Futures Now *Organic *Sustainable *Fossil Fuel Free , ISIS Report).
1 Introduction
A feeding trial lasting two years on rats showed that females exposed to Monsantos gl
tolerant genetically modified (GM) maize were 2 to 3 times as likely to die as controls
tumours. In males, liver congestions and necrosis were 2.5 to 5.5 times as frequent as t
controls. Males also presented large kidney or skin tumours four times as often as the c
confirmed significant kidney chronic deficiencies for all treatments and both sexes.
The research team, led by Giles-Eric Sralini of Caen University in France, suggested t
endocrine-disrupting effects of Roundup and the overexpression of the transgene in
The results were dynamite, and the repercussions are still to be played out [2]. Predicta
concerted campaign to discredit the scientists and their findings (see commentary by Jo
But contrary to the impression given in the popular media, this is not an isolated stud
used herbicide in the world may be toxic. It is the latest in a series of laboratory experi
workers around the world that have found toxicity both for GM crops and for the herb
for the longest duration of two years. Currently, European regulators require companie
Note that the new study found toxicity not just for Roundup herbicide, but also for the
been sprayed with herbicide. In other words, GM maize has toxicity independently of t
been sprayed and contain substantial amounts of herbicide and herbicide residues, they
themselves.
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We review existing evidence on the health and environmental impacts of glyphosate he

maximum permitted levels of the herbicide and herbicide residues in food are set to ris
new proposal is approved [4].
2 Regulators and industry both culpable
Healthy food and clean water are fundamental needs and basic human rights, but these
synthetic chemicals in agriculture. Glyphosate-based herbicides, originally developed b
increasing numbers of studies are documenting its link to serious illnesses and environm
the European Commission knew that the chemical could lead to cancer and birth defec
that, glyphosate continues to be touted as a safe chemical [5] (see [6] EU Regulators
SiS 51).
The first glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup, was launched by Monsanto in 1974 a

glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified (GM) crops in 1996. Following the expiry of t
US in 2000, many commercial formulations are available. Based on US data, GM crops
overall pesticide use from 1996 to 2011 [7] (see [8] Study Confirms GM crops lead to
increase with the emergence and spread of herbicide-resistant weeds (see section 5.1),
insecticides, as well as the introduction of GM crops with tolerance to multiple herbicid
Proponents of industrial chemical agriculture and GM crops argue glyphosate increases

and safe method of agriculture necessary to tackle hunger and food insecurity across th
safe chemical with regards to human health [9], currently defined as a Toxicity Class II
The EU classifies it as an irritant that can also cause severe ocular damage [10].
The accumulation of scientific peer-reviewed publications, clinical observations and w

glyphosate-treated areas however, refutes the official line. Over a hundred peer-review
scientific community what farmers in the global South have known for a long time. No
scientific and medical principles as well as the basic human right to a healthy environm
assumption that governments primary concern is to protect our health and not the poc
Brief history of Monsanto chemical company turned biotech giant
This review focuses primarily on the scientific effects of glyphosate, but the context o
Monsantos recent move from chemical production to agriculture. Can we really trust
Founded in 1901 by John Francis Queeny in St Louis, Missouri, Monsantos first prod
the company was producing basic industrial chemicals, including sulphuric acid. Durin
the Manhattan Project that developed the first nuclear bomb; they continued running
became a large manufacturer of synthetic plastics including polychlorinated biphenols
1979 in the US due to carcinogenicity. Lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto for
left whole towns crippled with cancers and other illnesses. Following the Second Worl
of chemical pesticides, including DDT and Agent Orange, the latter notoriously used a
components, dioxin, has now been classified as a probable carcinogen by the US Envi
Agent Orange killed hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese civilians and American sold
million people, and birth defects affecting hundreds of thousands. Monsanto was later
veterans. DDT was also banned in 1972 (although its use was permitted under certain
was still exported to foreign countries until 1985. It is now classified by the EPA as a
diabetes, Parkinsons disease and endocrine disruption linked to developmental defect
was banned in the EU in 2006. Monsanto was recently found guilty of chemical poison
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problems including memory loss, headaches and stammering after inhaling Lasso in 20
The commercialisation of Roundup in 1974 turned Monsanto into the largest pesticid
biotechnology and the production of GM crops, generating the first GM plant cell in 1
Roundup Ready (RR) soybean - was on the market. Today, there are many glyphosa
cotton, wheat and alfalfa. Similar varieties made by Bayer CropScience, Pioneer Hi-B
Optimum GAT and Agrisure GT, respectively. The generation of plants toleran
crops are growing, theoretically killing every plant but the crop. The consequence is th
consumers and livestock to glyphosate. Not only that, glyphosate tolerant crops accum
excreting it into the root zone (rhizosphere) of the soil, harming the next crop to be pla
3 How glyphosate works
Glyphosate or N-(phoshonomethyl) glycine (molecular formula - C3H8NO5P) acts thro

(enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) in the shikimate pathway [12] (see [13]
SiS 47). It catalyses the transformation of phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) to shikimate-3amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. Amino acids are essential building
in all plants, fungi, and some bacteria. Animals do not have the shikimate pathway, and
diet. Inhibition of protein synthesis leads to rapid necrosis (premature cell death) in the
glyphosate can effectively kill all plant species. The high solubility of glyphosate formu
acts systematically from roots to leaves.
Figure 1 Chemical Structure of Gly
Glyphosate-tolerant crops are either engineered to carry extra copies of the EPSPS gen
tumefaciens, or glyphosate intolerant versions of EPSPS. These GM crops are therefor
metabolise or get rid of it, resulting in GM crops with the herbicide and its residues thro
feed.
In addition to inhibition of EPSPS, glyphosate disrupts many biochemical and physiolo

as a general metal chelator and strongly chelates micronutrients such as manganese, wh
[13]). This is suggested to be the mechanism by which glyphosate kills plants. Mangane
and micronutrients are also chelated by glyphosate such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Fe
pathways goes on to compromise biological functions including the immune system as
reveals All, SiS 53).
4 Health impacts
There is a wealth of evidence on the health hazards of glyphosate. Its approval, along w
flaws in the EU and US regulatory processes, which to this day, do not require evaluati
the industrys own studies. Approval is therefore often based on data not available to th
Nevertheless, raw data have been obtained from the industry through the law courts, w
provide evidence of toxicity.
Taken together, glyphosate is implicated in birth and reproductive defects, endocrine
respiratory problems, nausea, fever, allergies and skin problems.
4.1 Teratogenicity and reproductive effects
Evidence of teratogenicity (birth defects) and reproductive problems stretches back to
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acknowledged by the German government (and its agencies), acting as the rapporteur
The German bodies concluded that high doses (500 mg/kg) led to significant skeletal an
rabbits including the development of an extra 13th rib, reduced viability, and increased
later shown to cause dilated hearts. The questionable analysis and interpretation of the
had unknown consequences and sample sizes were too small and lacking dose-depende
relevant to human risk assessment. This argument has been comprehensively rebutted i
importantly, the findings have been corroborated subsequently.
Independent studies confirmed birth defects in laboratory animals. Defects in frog deve
Roundup (10mg/L, roughly equivalent to 0.003% dilution of Roundup) that were s
times more pronounced with Roundup compared to another formulation lacking the s
added to maximise glyphosates leaf penetration, and is thought to increase glyphosate
have independent toxic properties.
It is important to note that regulatory approval does not require assessment of the risk
glyphosate alone. Sub-lethal doses also led to a 15-20 % increase in gonad size and red
respectively [16, 17].
A definitive study conducted by Andrs Carrasco and his colleagues in Argentina foun
sub-lethal doses (1/5,000 dilutions) of glyphosate and Roundup [18] (see [19]
48). These effects correlated with over-active retinoic acid (RA), a well-known regulat
(Figure 2). RA is an oxidised form of vitamin A and women are already advised agains
regulates the expression of genes essential for the development of the nervous system d
inhibited following glyphosate exposure. Inhibition of RA signalling prevented the tera
involvement in the observed abnormalities.
The craniofacial defects in frogs are similar to human birth defects linked to retinoic ac
microcephaly (small head), facial defects, myelomeningocele (a form of spina bifida), c
in front of the neck, often accompanied by the absence or defective development of th
(fusion of digits) ; these diseases are on the rise in pesticide-treated areas such as Para
Figure 2 Effect of glyphosate injection; left to right: control embryo not injected w
embryo injected in both cells. Note the reduction of th
Findings in mammals are consistent with those in amphibians. According to the World
doses of glyphosate (3 500 mg/kg per day) to pregnant rats resulted in an increased inc
nasal discharge, reduced activity, increased maternal mortality (24% during the treatme
early resorptions, decrease of total number of implantation and viable foetuses, and inc
sternebra [21]. Rats orally treated with sub-lethal doses of Roundup also showed do
(bone development), caudal vertebrae loss, and increased mortality [22], consistent wi
Prepubescent exposure led to disruption in the onset of puberty in a dose-dependent m
testicular morphology [23]. Reproductive effects were transgenerational, with male off
sexual behaviour, increased sperm count, early puberty as well as endocrine disruption
In a feeding trial, senior scientist of the Russian Academy of Sciences Irina Ermakova
Ready soybean gave birth to an excess of stunted pups: 55.6 % compared with 6.8% in
litters from control rats fed rat chow supplemented with non-GM soybean. The stunted
the exposed litters were sterile [25, 26] GM Soya Fed Rats: Stunted, Dead, or Sterile
results. Unfortunately, Irmakova did not succeed in her attempt to get the Roundup Re
residues, so the effects could be due to a mixture of the GM soya and herbicide/herbic
females fed rat chow plus GM soya protein did not do as badly as those exposed to GM
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15.1 % compared with 8.1 % for controls fed rat chow only, 10 % for controls fed rat c
females fed rat chow plus Roundup Ready soybean. This suggests that extra deaths and
with the new findings by Sralini and colleagues [1].
Irmakova too, was fiercely attacked, and attempts to discredit her continued for years
Biotechnology (see [27] Science and Scientist Abused, SiS 36).
Dr Irina Ermakov with the Occupy Monsanto demonstr
Cell culture models offer insight into a possible mechanism of glyphosate reproductive
Glyphosate Kills Rat Testes Cells, SiS 54) as well as embryonic, placental and umbilica
dilutions and is exacerbated by the presence of POEA in commercial formulations. En
concentrations (see below).
Clinical and epidemiological data gathered by The Network Of Physicians Of Drop-Sp

in congenital and musculoskeletal defects respectively between 1971 and 2003, while a
around 50 % among his patients. Argentina dedicates vast areas of land to RR soybean
people in rural/semi-urban areas are exposed to glyphosate. Increases in miscarriages,
were documented. Many other illnesses were also suspected to have arisen as a result o
GM Soybeans. Ban on Aerial Spraying Demanded in Argentina, SiS 53). The local phy
amphibians (see earlier) were consistent with the illnesses of their patients.
4.2 Endocrine disruption
The endocrine system consists of various glands that release hormones into the bloodst
functions includingmetabolism, growth and development,tissuefunction, behaviour and
commonly result in cell death, or acute toxicity. Instead, endocrine disruption can have
signalling and physiology, resulting in a range of developmental impacts including sexu
metabolism, reproduction, pregnancy, behaviour, and hormone-dependent diseases suc
well underlie many of the reproductive, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects of glypho
The synthesis of sex hormones is disrupted by glyphosate and Roundup in both male
(testosterone producing cells) have reduced testosterone levels as well as increased lev
testosterone into oestrogen [28, 29]. Human placental cells, on the other hand, showed
imbalances were observed with concentrations well below agricultural dilutions, and ef
formulations containing adjuvants.
Abnormal expression of testosterone and/or oestrogen receptors as well as oestrogen re

cells exposed to both glyphosate alone or four commercial formulations, and breast can
Other hormones were shown to be dysregulated in the presence of glyphosate, includin

leutinising hormone and increased expression of follicle-stimulating hormone. These ar
glands that regulate growth, sexual development and reproduction [24].
Rats exposed to Roundup and/or Roundup-tolerant maize over two years exhibited a r
differ between the sexes [1]. Thus mammary tumours were rife in exposed females wh
Similarly, pathology of the pituitary was more significantly increased in exposed femal
males.
4.3 Carcinogenicity
Epidemiological studies found that glyphosate exposure increased risk of developing n
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lymphocytes [35, 36], with one study showing a dose-dependent correlation with expo
cell proliferation associated with multiple myeloma was documented in exposed agricu
Aerial Sprayed Towns in Argentina has implicated glyphosate (see Figure 3), along wit
childhood and adult cancers in pesticide-treated regions, particularly in the vicinity of G
interstitial testicular cell tumour at low doses of 32 mg/kg was documented in a two- ye
showed that glyphosate promotes skin cancer, although not sufficient to initiate tumour
from Sralinis team [1] all the more significant, as the mammary cancers in herbicideare further corroboration of glyphosates carcinogenic potential suggested by the earlie
Further epidemiological and clinical studies are urgently needed to assess glyphosates
of its genotoxic properties.
Figure 3 Aerial spraying of herbicides, Eug

4.4 Genotoxicity
Genotoxicity refers to damage of DNA. DNA damage can result in mutations that lead
problems, and developmental defects. Evidence of genotoxicity not only relates to glyp
3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2- oxazol-4-yl)propanoic acid (AMPA). Epidemiological data gat
among other pesticides) and Ecuador [40] (exposure only to glyphosate) showed DNA
Unpublished industry studies from the 1980s showed that Roundup causes chromoso
cells [5]. Increased frequency of DNA adducts (covalently bound chemicals on DNA)
the liver and kidney of mice in a dose-dependent manner [41]. This was consistent with
frequency of DNA adducts in Italian floriculturist workers exposed to pesticides [42]. C
marrow, liver, and kidney of mice acutely exposed to sub-lethal doses of Roundup. S
observed in the kidney and bone marrow [43]. Human epithelial cells derived from the
agricultural dilutions (20 mg/L)[44], these are the cells likely to be affected by exposur
Mouth Cells & Damages DNA, Roundup Much Worse, SiS 54).
Among non-mammals, glyphosate caused cell division dysfunction and alterations in ce

DNA damage repair machinery [46, 47]. The failure of cell cycle checkpoints can lead
Glyphosate is also genotoxic in goldfish, European eels, and Nile tilapia [48-50]. More
gender-linked lethal recessive mutations as a result of exposure to glyphosate [51].
Not much is known regarding glyphosates main breakdown product AMPA; one study
should be investigated further.
4.5 Neurotoxicity
Emerging evidence suggests that glyphosate is neurotoxic, including two published cas
Brazil was diagnosed with Parkinsonism following accidental spraying; he developed s
and a month later he developed Parkinsons disease symptoms [53]. The other case inv
glyphosate solution and developed Parkinsonism along with lesions of the brains white
mental status. The woman suffered additional non-neurological symptoms (see acute to
increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of cell death markers we
affected in Parkinsons disease, of rats exposed chronically to glyphosate at sub-lethal
imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as fr
reactive intermediates or repair the damage caused by them. ROS are a natural by-prod
respiration, and have important roles in signalling and metabolism. Excess amounts how
of the cell including lipids in cellular membranes, DNA and proteins. Excess ROS has b
diseases including Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease (PD), atherosclerosis, hear
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Cancer a Redox Disease, SiS 54). Activation of the tightly regulated apoptotic and auto
neurodegenerative diseases and has been observed in rat neuronal cell lines exposed to
Other mechanisms of neurotoxicity include the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase (AC

neurotransmitter acetylcholine. AChE inhibitors such as organophosphate pesticides ar
include miosis (closing of the eyes), sweating, lacrimation, gastrointestinal symptoms, r
vomiting, diarrhoea, personality changes, aggressive events, psychotic episodes, disturb
coma and death. Further, increased risk of neurodevelopmental, cognitive and behavio
disorder (ADHD), deficits in short-term memory, mental and emotional problems have
herbicides in children and the newborn [59]. Although glyphosate is an organophospha
phosphanoglycine, and therefore not been assumed to inhibit AChE. New studies sugg
decemmaculatus, showed AChE inhibition at environmentally relevant concentrations
Furthermore, these effects were seen following acute exposure of up to 96 hours. A ten
children has been made in an epidemiological study [62].
Further studies need to be done by independent scientists as original neurotoxicology d

EPA [63].
4.6 Internal organ toxicity
As in the brain (see above), increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been foun
acute doses of glyphosate. Concomitant decreases in enzymes that act as powerful anti
(see [64] The Case for A GM-Free Sustainable World, ISIS publication). Liver cells ex
concentrations showed decreases in oestrogen and testosterone receptor levels, DNA d
[65] Ban Glyphosate Herbicides Now, SiS 43). Other studies suggest mitochondrial dam
respectively at sub-lethal concentrations [66, 67].
A meta-analysis of 19 feeding studies originally conducted by Monsanto, but later re-a

found kidney pathology in animals fed RR soybean, including significant ionic disturba
Toxic, Meta-analysis Reveals, SiS 52). This is consistent with previous results from cel
multiple poisoning,glyphosate and Roundup,SiS42), suggesting that glyphosate present
animals fed RR soybean included the development of irregular hepatocyte nuclei, more
abundant dense fibrillar components, indicating increased metabolic rates.
4.7 Acute toxicity
Acute toxicity of glyphosate has been classified low based on rat studies performed b
5 000 mg/kg. However, agricultural workers exposed at much lower concentrations hav
Argentina (see [70] Argentina's Roundup Human Tragedy, SiS 48). Acute toxicity of gl
skin irritation, skin lesions, eye irritation, allergies, respiratory problems and vomiting.
death has occurred. Ingestion of small amounts can lead to oral ulceration, oesophagea
diarrhoea. Ingestion of larger amounts (usually >85 ml) causes signicant toxicity inclu
disturbance, hypotension and pulmonary oedema, impaired consciousness and seizures
dysfunction), Parkinsonism, respiratory and renal failure. Suicide attempts have been n
ingested.
5 Environmental and agronomic effects
Agribusiness claims that glyphosate and glyphosate-tolerant crops will improve crop yi
environment by reducing pesticide use. Exactly the opposite is the case. Pesticide use h
[72] GM Crops Increase Herbicide Use in the United States, SiS45). Not only that, the
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glyphosate-tolerant crops have had wide-ranging detrimental effects, including glypho

livestock) pathogens, reduced crop health and yield, harm to off-target species from in
soil fertility.
5.1 Glyphosate resistant weeds
Critics long predicted the evolution of weeds resistant to glyphosate, consistent with al
This is causing huge agronomic and ecological concern as farmers are forced to abando
Meltdown in the USA, SiS 46). So much so that Monsanto has issued a statement sayin
under the Roundup warranty. The Weed Society of America has now launched free r
solutions are clearly towing the agribusiness line of dousing crops in additional pesticid
of the same, or worse weeds resistant to multiple herbicides. Indeed, some species ha
types of herbicides. In some cases, these superweeds are so resilient that the only me
Palmer amaranth grows at up to 3 inches a day causing an imaginable headache for far
Figure 4 Field infested with Palmer amaranth
First documented in ryegrass in 1996 in Australia, glyphosate-resistance has since been

2010, covering an estimated 120 million hectares worldwide and continuing to spread [
Up until 2003, 5 resistant populations had been documented worldwide. Since 2007, th
weeds (See [75] Monsanto Defeated By Roundup Resistant Weeds, SiS 53). So far, res
include: Palmer Amaranth, Common Waterhemp, Common Ragweed, Giant Ragweed,
Horseweed, Sumatran Fleabane, Sourgrass, Junglerice, Goosegrass, Kochia, Tropical S
Ryegrass, Ragweed Parthenium, Buckhorn Plantain, Annual Bluegrass, Johnsongrass,
Of all the resistant species, Palmer Amaranth and Common waterhemp have received
seeds per plant, making it difficult to prevent spreading of resistant populations. It also
multiple rounds of herbicide treatments are required. Resistant common waterhemp wa
after at least 6 consecutive years of growing soybeans. The suggested mechanism of re
EPSPS genes in the plant, allowing it to compensate for glyphosates inhibition of the e
from Perdue University in Indiana US, waterhemp is a serious threat to soybean farmin
Palmer amaranth is estimated to have infested at least a million separate sites in the US
one of the most destructive weed species in the south-eastern US. Field experiments ha
%, having important implications for RR cotton farmers [77].
In order to prolong the utility of herbicide-tolerant GM crops, agribusinesses are now d

tolerance to old herbicides like 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Dow Agroscie
cotton even though this year saw the discovery of 2,4-D resistant waterhemp in Nebras
which waterhemp has developed resistance [78].
The emergence of resistant weeds explains the increases in pesticide use over the last f
to rid their farms of hardy weeds. As noted by the Network of Argentinian Physicians o
same plots of land rose from 2 litres per hectare in 1996, to almost 20 litres in 2011 [79
The extent of damage wreaked by glyphosate-resistant weeds has been further exacerb
weeds and makes them less sensitive to herbicides [80]. Global warming and herbicide
on crop yield losses, again highlighting the unsustainable approach of intensive chemic
5.2 Effects on crop and plant health
Glyphosate use has been associated with the increased incidence and/or severity of ma
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functions such as water and nutrient uptake [13].
As mentioned above, glyphosates mechanism of action is the systemic chelation of me

and calcium, many of which are important micronutrients. They act as co-factors for m
plants immune system [14]. While non-transgenic varieties are killed by glyphosate, g
can be compromised. Manganese is a co-factor for 25 known enzymes involved in proc
and nitrate assimilation, and enzymes of the shikimate pathway to which EPSPS belon
responses to stress and the synthesis of defence molecules against pathogens, such as a
and phenols. The virulence mechanism of some pathogens, including Gaeumannomyce
respectively) involves the oxidisation of manganese at the site of infection, compromis
crops were found to have reduced mineral content, confirming glyphosates metal chel
Various plant diseases have reached epidemic proportions in the US, now in its fourth y
syndrome and eighteenth year of epidemic of Fusarium fungal colonisation resulting in
affect disease susceptibility, there is also evidence of increased disease severity. Examp
Fusarium spp diseases, including those caused by Fusarium species that are ordinarily
cereals increases following glyphosate application is now prevalent also in cooler clima
Nine plant pathogens have been suggested to increase in severity as a result of glyphos
known to be increased in weed control programmes with glyphosate and the list is grow
barley, bean, canola, citrus, cotton, grape, melon, soybean, sugar beet, sugarcane, toma
USDA scientist Professor Emeritus Don Huber presented detailed evidence including a
glyphosate-tolerant crops are less healthy and yield less. They have a compromised im
problems as climate change is likely to increase infectious diseases and exacerbate wat
Figure 5 Effects of long-term glyphosate on crop (wheat) health; left not treated wi
from Hubers presentation [14
As consistent with previous findings, GM crops are suffering heavy yield losses in drou
both GM and non-GM varieties of corn and soybean side by side reported an average o
corn compared to 8-12 bushels to 30-50 bushels per acre from GM corn.
According to a recent report published by the Union of Concerned Scientists, GM crop

but there is as yet no comprehensive peer-reviewed study on GM crop yields.
As with animal species, endocrine dysfunction has been suggested in plants exposed to
well as crop yields. Inhibition of auxins involved in plant growth and development, as w
methionine is a principle substrate for fruit, flower opening and shedding of leaves [88]
Various aquatic species including microalgae, protozoa and crustaceans are susceptible
in Roundup formulations.
5.3 Effects on soil ecology
Soil fertility is fundamental in maintaining plant health and yields. However, along with
there has been a general increase in the number of plant diseases in the past 15 to 18 y
Glyphosate has been shown to stimulate the growth of fungi and increase the virulence
causes citrus variegated chlorosis, while also decreasing the presence of beneficial soil
Crops and Soil (SiS47). Four primary soil fungi, Fusarium, Phythium, Rhizoccccctonia
use of glyphosate; and concomitantly diseases caused by these fungi have increased, su
rot in sugar beets. Fusarium head blight, which affects cereal crops, is a disease that pr
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Beneficial micro- and macro-organisms damaged by glyphosate include earthworms, m

promoting auxin), mycorrhizae associations, phosphorus & zinc uptake, microbes such
soil oxides to plant-available forms of manganese and iron, nitrogen-fixing bacteria
biological control of soil-borne diseases that reduce root uptake of nutrients (see [90, 1
In addition to soil microorganisms, Roundup but not glyphosate alone, kills three ben
Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus
This may explain the loss of microbiodiversity in raw milk observed in recent years.
Figure 6 Interactions of glyphosate with plant and soil biology; ad
It has been assumed that glyphosate is short-lived, degrading in two weeks, and has low
view may only be applicable, if at all, in certain environments. Studies in northern regio
its main metabolite AMPA can remain in the soil even years after the last spraying [92]
active and accumulate in soils with increasingly devastating effects on soil ecology.
5.4 Effects on ecosystems
Glyphosate use impacts animal biodiversity and health either directly or indirectly thro
particularly toxic to aquatic and amphibian species, due to its high water solubility.
Amphibians are considered the most endangered animal class on Earth. Recent studies
with exposure killing 78 % of animals in laboratory conditions (see [93] Roundup Kills
exposed tadpoles, similar to the adaptive changes seen in response to the presence of p
environmental conditions, so any changes not suited to the environment could put the a
unpublished data from The Department of Herpetology at the Society of Sciences, Ara
below agricultural levels are sufficient to kill 10 species of amphibians in the Basque re
in frogs have also been detailed in laboratory conditions [15].
Studies in aquatic microcosms and mesocosms found that Roundup at 8 mg glyphosate

toxic bloom-forming cyanobacteria, with potentially drastic impacts on freshwater aqu
deterioration of water quality, which is already jeopardising global water supply [98] (
The indirect effect of habitat destruction is exemplified by the decline of Monarch butt
Butterfly Decline, SiS 52) (Figure 7). The larvae of this species feed almost exclusively
glyphosate treatment of GM crops. In the Midwest of the US, there has been a 58 % de
in Monarch butterfly [100]. A decline in their winter migration to Mexico has been obs
Figure 7 Monarch butterflies, University of
5.5 Diseases of livestock
The rise of certain diseases in livestock populations has been linked to glyphosate inge
livestock are suffering a triple whammy of reproductive toxicity caused by endocrine d
health), nutrient deficiency, and a novel unknown pathogenic entity found in many r
body parts [14].
With regards to nutrient deficiency, manganese deficiencies have been associated with
which are becoming increasingly common in livestock. In Australia, following two seas
that all dead calves were manganese deficient [101]. Moreover, 63 % of newborn with
to be important for mobilising calcium into bones, correlating with abnormal bone form
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A Danish farmer recently reversed illnesses in his pigs through reverting back to a nonbirths, diarrhoea, bloating and poor appetite disappeared, resulting in increased profit f
Farm Pigs, SiS 55).
5.6 Widespread contamination of water supplies
With all the described toxic effects of glyphosate, it becomes imperative to assess the l
of drinking water. Recent research in Catalonia, Spain, revealed widespread contamina
has been detected in rain and air samples [104].
Research recently performed in Germany detected glyphosate in the urine of all tested
been eating organic food for over 10 years [105]. Levels reached 5-20 times the establ
those who live away from farming areas are not protected. Glyphosate was previously
concentrations shown to have cause endocrine disruption.
To conclude
Glyphosate toxicity can no longer be ignored. While evidence of its harm to health and
permitted residual levels in lentils by 100 fold in the EU [4]. This is clearly unacceptab
many environmental toxins including glyphosate [106]. A global ban or phase-out of gl
widespread adoption of non-GM sustainable agriculture [107] (Food Futures Now *Or
There are 19 comments on this article so far. Add your comment
teresa dowden Comment left 12th October 2012 09:09:23

I think this is horrible all the harmful chemicals Monsanto has been able to produce a
us aren't probably bacause of big payoffs. There's needs to be stop to this. But they ha
late to do much about it.
peter homfeld Comment left 13th October 2012 21:09:21

No Teresa, it is never too late. All of us have to fight those criminals and murderer for
our grandchildren, the next generations and ourselves. Monsanto is still responsible fo
waste as DDT, Agent Orange and now with this terrible disastrous Roundup all over t
international actions to sue Monsanto (and other Big Corporations) for the tremendou
damage. We think also that they must be brought to the ICC for Crimes against Huma
minions must be hanged for their massive crimes. In the meantime DON't eat SALMO
chock full with poisons due to the 70% GM (Roundup) Soy/Corn and 30% toxic fishm
ISIS and Dr Eva Sirinathsinghji and Dr Mae-Wan Ho for your long time scientific rese
giving a solid base for actions as mentioned.
VIcky Comment left 14th October 2012 08:08:06

Coming up as a child my perception of the USA was a country of integrity and who w
rightful/lawful... a nation who set an example of morality, prosperity, and humanity. A
country for doing something like this. We all have been very misled. Well they did no
THe US Gov. was not even concerned about the poor people in New orleans !! What
DON"T CARE ABOUT US/ LIFE/ HUMAN EXISTENCE , the eco-system. They all
a mass destruction /genecide. ThANKS for all the extensive research and most inform
John Fryer Comment left 30th October 2012 23:11:33

Professor Seralini last month (2012 Sep) proved the harm from MONSANTO Round
full danger has been covered up for so long. (testing the product without added chemi
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such short duration that nothing useful turns up or worse changing the experiemnt - 1
animals fit healthy and alive on a 7 day exposure experiment.) Having helped to get a
other TERATOGENS such as mercury I was horrified to learn that far from four year
DIAZINON use and killing and illness on the increase; DIAZINON being a particular
one possible illness from OP's and my current risk of getting this is officially now at 2
risk for my age group. We are as humans sadly being led like sheeop to slaughter and
LEMMINGS.
masipag mindanao Comment left 1st November 2012 08:08:16
Let's intensify the campaign for the banning of Roundup Ready Crops.
William & Katrina Dresbach Comment left 1st March 2013 08:08:32
All these chemicals are harmful to everyones health! Let's go back to the old time far
stephanie seneff Comment left 28th May 2013 13:01:49

Together with Anthony Samsel, I recently published a peer-reviewed article in the Op
astonished at what we were able to find on potential damaging effects of glyphosate e
many years, and have published several papers on it. I had identified two key comorb
sulfur metabolism, but I was unable to determine what was causing these problems un
show how glyphosate would produce these comorbidities, as well as many other prob
P450 enzymes, it would impair the liver's ability to detoxify other toxicants. I now be
current autism epidemic in America and elsewhere. It should be banned from the mar
charlotte bean Comment left 27th July 2013 07:07:54

a D.finlayson MD recently blogged that glyphosate MIMICS non-essential amino-acid
fundamental level. Can anyone expand on this or cite a reference, cheers C.
Cindy Lindsey Comment left 17th March 2014 21:09:11

I recently had an "Alcat" food/chemical sensitivity test and the results showed I have
out of all the Alcat tests his patients had done, mine was the only one he has seen tha
to me and I'm stunned and angry. Of course I know I need to watch where my food co
What if I have the beginnings of Parkinsons, or...any of a number of other diseases th
next. The "doctor" who sent me for the test is a chiropractor/nutritionist, not an MD o
Maewan Ho Comment left 17th March 2014 21:09:18

Hi Cindy Lindsey, You must seek out non-GMO and preferably organic food in order
diet, and campaign for banning glyphosate herbicides.
Tiffany Pettit Comment left 12th April 2014 08:08:21

I just finished reading this and I have to admit, I'm almost in tears. This is going to be
though.) A "short" background: I'm 24 years old, a new gardener (I've been gardening
organic gardening and keeping livestock that feeds on organic food, as well as being i
biology class /in college/. (The last time I took biology was in ninth grade in 2004.) In
paper" on a topic of our choice. I'm choosing to write mine on GMOs. Honestly, I'm s
I've been wanting to do this research anyway. Might as well knock out two birds with
stumbled upon this article through Pintrest post from Organic Consumers Association
from their board "Millions Against Monsanto" and the picture that advertises the pin
Roundup Found in Mother's Milk." At the bottom of the picture followed the words "
accumulates in human tissue." I had to click on in. It started talking about this toxin c
little horrified,opened a few links from the article on my phone and left them up to re
opened, but didn't think about it again until my last biology class, this past Thursday, A
background to come.) We had just finished learning about Mendel's famous pea exper
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photosynthesis, mitosis, and meiosis, of course and at the end of class our professor re
started reading on the books I had checked out from our school library. I grabbed the
continued to read where I had previously left off. I was only about five pages into the
Nigel G. Halford (from Imperial College Press) and as I continued reading I realized t
"Alright," I thought. "I have to know why some scientist are for the promotion of GM
familiar word popped up: Glyphosate. I immediately remembered that I had this articl
read about the multiple ways they splice DNA to create GM plants and the the benefi
safe for use as a pesticide. "Okay. I've heard the "pro" side of the argument to use GM
article I have open on my phone," I thought to myself. I went to the tab on my phone
more horrified as I read and teared up before I even finished reading. I remember hea
when I was younger. I remember hearing about new casts reporting on the increase of
about the increase of breast cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer. I remembered all of t
article. I'm in disbelief about how this article only has /ten/ comments on it. Ten! Mor
believe me. I'm going to inform people about it whenever I can. I'm going to post this
and my wordpress site. More people need to see this. It makes me so angry that we ca
them, but we can't talk about how glyphosate is slowly (quickly) killing the world aro
my loved ones are being infected with this stuff and don't even know it. I'm glad, at le
organic foods when they shop. It makes me feel safer. Also, I would like to share my
comment, because maybe it'll give hope to whoever sees this that someone who is on
the use of organics and shun the use of GMOs. My dream is this: I want to open an or
and vegetables straight from the garden out back. I also plan on having organic, free r
for their milk to have organic goat milk and cheese. I want to be able to provide these
top of all this, I want to provide a beautiful garden that my customers can spend their
Also, I almost forgot to mention I want this garden to promote /native/ wildlife plants
hummingbirds, butterflies, ladybugs, even spiders, and many other helpful insects. It's
is set on it. Maybe my plan is rough around the edges and is going to cost a lot, but th
only receive a few customers. I know I'll at least have 10 patrons: my biology profess
some of their family. If I can't help a city, or even a neighborhood, I can at least help
know I rambled on (a lot) in this comment, but I felt it all necessary to say. Down with
much for compiling this article, please continue putting out information like this. I loo
mae-wan ho Comment left 12th April 2014 10:10:43

Thank you Tiffany for your personal account of discovery, and your determination to
herbicide. New evidence has been tumbling out after this review. please log onto www
Tiffany Pettit Comment left 14th April 2014 21:09:33
I will definitely do that! Thank you.
Terry Pollock Comment left 11th June 2014 17:05:53

Many thanks for such a comprehensive article on this insidious glyphosate problem. Y
you. I'm a nutrition specialist/medical educator for many years now. I'm stymied as to
consumers; there is a great learning curve here with complicated background that peo
(commenter here) but she has not heard from me yet. AND I didn't know that glyphos
US?? Anyway, thank you so much for your in-depth information and your integrative
enthralled by your efforts. Terry Pollock, MS
Mae-Wan Ho Comment left 11th June 2014 17:05:55

Terry Pollack and others, please see the more up-to-date version of this article in Ban
thesparc.net Also, even that is not up to date because more evidence has been tumbli
sterility, all reviewed within the past months, please go to isis homepage and scroll do
on Ban GMOs Now, which again shall be available free of charge, within about a mon
8/15/2016 12:19 PM
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regulators and political representative. keep alert, we can win this one!
RG Comment left 19th December 2014 10:10:10

More than 90% of our grains and cereals including rice (UK and abroad) are subject t
but insane practice started in 2003. This has massively increased residue levels to 100
and cereal. Research has clearly shown that roundup/glyphosate is responsible for can
american government which is in the pocket of the makers of glyphosate last year ma
produce anywhere from 2 times to 25 times depending on the food stuff. Now they w
europe by way of TTIP that is, if you are not already eating this garbage and you easi
the UK have atrial fibrillation? Bread or cereal is very possibly the cause.
Russell davies Comment left 17th January 2015 08:08:25

Hi from Canada ,we've sure made big mistakes with GMO and have experienced the
have recently started a campaign using street signs to educate, with names like GMON
TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE IN AUSTRALIA. AND NAME A ROAD. ROOTROU
Mac Fairrington Comment left 10th July 2015 10:10:31

I live in UK and write on a regular basis to our Local Council Sunderland, which is in
meeting at the House of Commons last Year chaired by the Countess of Mar. Several
in public areas. Professor Malcolm Hooper who is a eminent Professor of Medical Ch
Carcinogens believed by The World Health Organisation and International Agency fo
another 32 diseases. Our council when asked under the Freedom of Information tried
and said i may have to pay 450 but when I agreed I was given the information free a
The active ingredients are Glyphosate - Diammonium 34% and D-Glucopyranose, Ol
D-Glucopyranose, Oligomeric, decyl octyl glycosides10 - 20% It is sprayed up to fou
parent seating. There is no warning and sprayed openly. The operators either Contrac
they will frighten the public, and don't like been questioned. They also spray against p
land. There is no sign for about four days when it starts to work and turn Yellow. Prio
in their own gardens and inhaled the spray unknowingly. According to the UK HSE an
spraying at private property and signage should be shown before spraying. Resident s
being contaminated. Managers of the council refuse to answer questions and let their
will they will be prosecuted. Our MP after seeing the letter fromProfessor Malcolm H
reply, I don't think it unreasonable that spraying of this herbicide - particularly in child
about this product has been allayed and as you suggest there is still the option of resp
meantime." Sunderland council response was "we shall continue to undertake weed tr
managers who ignore Medical Chemistry professors and MPs and Proof that is being
vanessa Comment left 11th March 2016 09:09:51

Hello I would like to start an awareness campaign in my area and am wondering if yo
neighbouring shires, also flyers would be good I could put these into letterboxes. I do
somebody you may know of can send me several thousand of these posters and flyers
has to be done about the miss information that the companies have been doing to brai
environment. It is used in schools all the time and I am going to pressure the educatio
and the UN so they will stop using it. I come from Western Australia, Thanks so much
Vanessa White kendenup WA
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