The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has just published a report from 17 experts from 11 countries who concluded that glyphosate (“Roundup”) is “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
The IARC Working Group found evidence that
Glyphosate has been detected in the blood and urine of agricultural workers, indicating absorption.
Soil microbes degrade glyphosate to aminomethylphosphoric acid (AMPA). Blood AMPA detection after poisonings suggests intestinal microbial metabolism in humans. Glyphosate and glyphosate formulations induced DNA and chromosomal damage in mammals, and in human and animal cells in vitro. One study reported increases in blood markers of chromosomal damage (micronuclei) in residents of several communities after spraying of glyphosate formulations. Bacterial mutagenesis tests were negative. Glyphosate, glyphosate formulations, and AMPA induced oxidative stress in rodents and in vitro.
Organophosphate pesticides and herbicides have long been known to be toxic to mammals, but experts have been undecided about whether they cause cancer.
Glyphosate is the herbicide used in conjunction with glyphosate-resistant genetically modified crops. These are widely planted in the United States (HT means herbicide tolerant).
In addition to causing widespread selection of weeds resistant to this herbicide, glyphosate may also cause cancer.
Add this to the list of scientific reasons for concern about widespread production of GMO crops.
Note: The FDA has just approved new varieties of GMO apples and potatoes. These do not use Roundup.
Next: watch Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, attempt to cast doubt on IARC’s scientific judgment.