Weeds are always a pain to deal with. Even when you think you have gotten the last ones out, you can find them growing again in a matter of days. A lot of people find them to be unattractive and use different methods to remove them.
Given how important a well-kept lawn is to most Americans, it isn’t surprising that a number of effective solutions exist on the market.
Weed killers like Roundup have been wildly successful due to their effectiveness in weed removal. However, recent studies have revealed that they pose significant health risks. Let us explore more.
Glyphosate: A Powerful and Risky Compound
Weed killers like Roundup contain glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills almost all plants. Glyphosate works by disrupting the shikimic acid pathway, which is essential for the growth and survival of plants.
There has been significant debate about the potential health risks associated with Roundup weed killer, particularly concerning its active ingredient, glyphosate.
While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that glyphosate is safe when used according to the label instructions, many studies have suggested that it may be linked to certain health problems.
In more recent studies, it has been proven that glyphosate affects the structure and function of the nervous system. Other studies have also suggested a possible link between glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In addition to the potential cancer risks, there have been concerns about the impact of glyphosate on the environment and on non-targeted species. For example, glyphosate has been shown to be toxic to some species of birds and aquatic life, and it may also harm beneficial insects such as bees.
Exposure to Glyphosate is Disturbingly Easy
There are many dangerous substances that we encounter every day, but they fail to affect our bodies in any significant way. This is because even though they may be dangerous, exposure is not as simple.
For instance, there are so many strong cleaning agents that are used in homes, but exposure to them only occurs through accidents or improper usage. With weedkillers, exposure is likely even without any accidents and with proper usage.
Individuals have to take extra care to avoid exposure, and that opens the door to countless situations where cautionary measures may become lax. The most common means of exposure is through direct contact with the skin, eyes, or mouth during the application or handling of glyphosate-containing products.
Glyphosate can also be inhaled during spraying or dust drift. Compound residues can easily make their way to food and drinking water, leading to exposure through ingestion.
On a larger scale, glyphosate is also commonly used in agriculture, and crops such as soybeans, corn, and wheat may contain it. The compound can also enter the environment through runoff and leaching, contaminating groundwater and surface water sources.
Legal Consequences
Companies that used Glyphosate in their products have paid out huge sums of money in settlements. According to TorHoerman Law, LLC, a firm involved in helping affected clients, Roundup has paid $11 billion in settlements so far. This makes sense considering they have had to settle over 100,000 cases.
However, this isn’t even the end of the Roundup lawsuit settlement amounts and payouts. The company has also set aside an additional $1.5 billion for future settlements. If you have been using Roundup or any other weedkiller that has Glyphosate as a main ingredient, consider seeking legal action.
How to Stay Safe from Glyphosate
Staying safe from Glyphosate can be achieved by following a number of safety protocols. However, it is best to find alternative products that do not contain the substance. Look for herbicides that use natural ingredients or other chemicals that are less harmful to humans.
If you have no other option but to use the substance, try to wear protective clothing and equipment. Even gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a mask will go a long way in minimizing skin contact and accidental inhalation.
Glyphosate can easily contaminate nearby water sources, so be careful when using the product near ponds, streams, and other bodies of water.
Conclusion
The Roundup case is a good example of why you want to be extra careful when dealing with herbicides or pesticides of any form. Even if the company claims that they are safe, it is always best to take extra care in the form of protective clothing.
Wash your hands or shower immediately after using such products. It is also a good idea to spend some time keeping updated on the products you use. You never know which common household items pose serious risks to your health in the future.
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