Health and environmental impacts of glyphosate: The implications of increased use of glyphosate in association with genetically modified foods

Any errors or omissions from this report are the responsibility of Friends of the Earth. The introduction of genetically modified crops tolerant to glyphosate will lead to a significant increase in the use of this herbicide. Monsanto, the company producing these crops, claims that their introduction will be of benefit because of the low toxicity and environmental safety of the herbicide. Monsanto, it should be noted, also manufactures glyphosate, marketing it as 'Round up', and so is able to sell seeds and herbicide as a commercial package. Independent research indicates that glyphosate may not be as safe as previously thought and may pose a threat to human health and the environment. It is essential that questions relating to the safety of this product are answered before its use is scaled up with the introduction of genetically modified crops. The following table provides a comparison of Monsanto's claims and the findings of independent research. Monsanto* *s claims Independent research findings Roundup has a low irritation potential for eye and skin and otherwise is not a risk to human health. C Roundup is amongst the top most-reported pesticides causing poisoning incidents in several countries. C Roundup causes a range of acute symptoms including recurrent eczema, respiratory problems, elevated blood pressure and allergic reactions. Roundup does not cause any adverse reproductive effects. C In laboratory tests on rabbits glyphosate caused long-lasting, harmful effects on semen quality and sperm counts. Roundup is not mutagenic in mammals. C DNA damage has been observed in laboratory experiments in mice organs and tissue. Roundup is environmentally safe. C In the agricultural environment, glyphosate is toxic to beneficial soil organisms and beneficial arthropod predators, and increases crops* susceptibility to diseases. C The use of glyphosate in forestry and agriculture has indirect harmful effects on birds and small mammals by damaging their food supplies and habitat. C Roundup containing POEA is lethal to the tadpoles of three species of tree and ground frogs in Australia. The Australian government has banned the use of these products near water. C Sub-lethal doses of glyphosate from spray-drift damages wildflower communities and can affect some species up to 20 metres away from the sprayer. C The use of glyphosate in arable areas causes dieback in hedgerow trees. C Glyphosate promotes population growth of a water snail that is the intermediate host of liver fluke in mammals. C The breakdown of glyphosate by microorganisms …