Top Weed Killer Linked to Cancer

By Mara Silgailis, PhD, Clean Water Action Board Member and Cedar Grove Environmental Commission Chair Last week, glyphosate, the pesticide found in the popular herbicide product Roundup, was declared to be "probably carcinogenic to humans" by an international committee of cancer experts known as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide (weedkiller) in the world. Not only is glyphosate sprayed on farms, forests, on road sides, parks, and in gardens, but it is used with crops (such as corn, soybeans, and cotton) that have been genetically engineered to be tolerant to the herbicide. Farmers can spray it across entire fields, killing weeds while their crops survive. The use of glyphosate has been soaring in recent years. The IARC said that several studies have shown that people who work with the herbicide seem to be at an increased risk of a cancer called non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Also, studies link it to tumors in mice and rats, and there is laboratory evidence showing chromosomal damage to human cells from exposure to glyphosate. Of course industry groups, including Monsanto, attacked the announcement and accused the IARC of "cherry picking data". And unfortunately the US EPA views glyphosate to be non-carcinogenic to humans since 1991. We at Clean Water Action have known about the problems with glyphosate for years and that it is detected in water, in the air during spraying, in food, and in people. We know that children, pregnant women, the sick, and elderly are especially vulnerable to pesticides. We have been fighting for Pesticide Free Zones and Safe Playing Fields that avoid the use of toxic chemicals for years. What's most alarming is that for over four years, a strong bi-partisan majority of legislators have repeatedly expressed support for legislation that will protect children from toxic pesticides where they play. However, legislative leaders continue to stall the bill. The Safe Playing Fields Act (S541/A2143) will restrict the use of the most toxic lawn pesticides in day cares, playgrounds, and K-8 school fields. Given the recent Roundup cancer link, it's clear that our kids' health can't wait! Please contact your legislators and urge them to ensure The Safe Playing Fields Act (S541/A2143) becomes law this year. For more information on our pesticides campaign, call 732-963-9714 or email us at njcwa@cleanwater.org