Why is Glyphosate Not Harmful to Humans?
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the widely-used herbicide Roundup, has been a subject of controversy for years. Despite numerous studies and research findings, many people still question whether glyphosate is harmful to humans. This article aims to explore the reasons why glyphosate is not harmful to humans based on scientific evidence and expert opinions.
1. Regulatory Approval
One of the primary reasons why glyphosate is not considered harmful to humans is that it has been approved by regulatory agencies around the world. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) are among the organizations that have evaluated the safety of glyphosate.
These agencies have conducted extensive studies on glyphosate’s potential toxicity and have concluded that it is not harmful to humans when used according to label instructions. The EPA, for instance, has determined that glyphosate is “not a carcinogen,” and the EFSA has classified it as “not hazardous to human health.”
2. Dose-Response Relationship
Another reason why glyphosate is not harmful to humans is the concept of the dose-response relationship. This principle states that the toxicity of a substance is directly related to the dose ingested. In the case of glyphosate, studies have shown that the amount required to cause harm is significantly higher than the levels found in the environment and in food.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that glyphosate poses a “low acute toxicity” to humans, meaning that it is not harmful at the levels typically found in the environment. Moreover, the EFSA has determined that the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of glyphosate is 0.3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, which is well below the levels that could cause harm.
3. Lack of Credible Evidence
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety of glyphosate, there have been numerous claims and lawsuits suggesting that it is harmful to humans. However, many of these claims are based on flawed studies or cherry-picked data.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a “probable carcinogen” in 2015, which sparked a controversy. However, it is important to note that the IARC’s classification is based on the potential for glyphosate to cause cancer, not on actual evidence of harm to humans. Furthermore, subsequent studies have refuted the IARC’s findings, and the EPA, EFSA, and JMPR have all maintained their conclusions that glyphosate is not harmful to humans.
4. Environmental and Health Benefits
Lastly, it is crucial to consider the environmental and health benefits of glyphosate. This herbicide has been instrumental in reducing the use of more harmful pesticides, such as DDT, and has enabled the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Glyphosate has also helped to increase crop yields, reduce the need for manual labor, and contribute to the global food supply. These benefits, combined with the safety data, further support the conclusion that glyphosate is not harmful to humans when used responsibly.
In conclusion, the reasons why glyphosate is not harmful to humans are based on extensive scientific research, regulatory approval, the dose-response relationship, the lack of credible evidence of harm, and the environmental and health benefits it provides. It is essential to rely on reputable sources and expert opinions when evaluating the safety of any substance, including glyphosate.
