Roundup is a herbicide that is used for the destruction and elimination of different kinds of plants and herbs. The unique feature of the Roundup weed killer is that it is broad-spectrum. This implies that it can be used to destroy a wide range of plants. The main component of this herbicide is a chemical known as glyphosate. This chemical has been widespread, especially for its use on farmlands, and also for domestic purposes. According to statistics, it is one of the most common and used herbicides in the world. In addition to this, it has been approved by a number of substantial regulatory and monitoring bodies around the world. However, significant news broke not too long ago, that the main component of the herbicide is carcinogenic. Glyphosate, the main ingredient of Roundup was considered carcinogenic by the International Cancer Research body. Before going into this, it’s important to know about the usefulness and function of the Roundup weed killer.

Uses of Roundup weed killer

  1. It’s a broad-spectrum herbicide: This herbicide is capable of destroying and eliminating a large number of weeds and plants. Apart from killing plants, this herbicide also can kill woody plants. In addition to this, it can also be used for domestic purposes. Such as horticulture, and for grooming the house garden.
  2. They can be used as desiccants: This feature is mostly put to use by farmers. They usually apply this herbicide to their crops, before harvesting them. The herbicide removes the moisture in the crops, therefore making harvesting much more comfortable. This helps the farmer to cut some cost. The money saved can then be put into something else.
  3. For controlling the growth of plants: The Roundup weed killer does more than just desiccating or destroying plants. The herbicide usually does have a different effect on plants, primarily when used in minute quantities. As an example, the herbicide helps to regulate plant growth, when applied in small amounts.

                               Is Roundup Safe For Humans?

There have been a lot of back and forth about the safety of the Roundup weed killer. This comprehensive discussion was started after the International Cancer Research Body declared that glyphosate, the main ingredient of the Roundup weed killer is carcinogenic. After this pronouncement was made, about seven hundred cancer patients sued the producers of the Roundup weed killer herbicide. They held the belief that the herbicide could have been responsible for the development of their disease. However, the head of the Company, Monsanto came out with facts and presented over eight hundred studies that had been done both in the United States of America and also overseas. All the reviews came out with a conclusion that the Roundup Weed killer is safe. In addition to this, the monitoring and regulatory in some European countries, such as Germany, France, Australia, and other nations all approved and certified the safety of the herbicide.  This goes to show that the Roundup weed killer is safe, and should be used by those who need it in their farms or for other purposes.

                Roundup Weed Killer Causes Cancer-True Or False?

As of now, there are no proofs that indicate that glyphosate, the main component of Roundup Weed Killer can cause cancer. It is therefore false that the Roundup weed killer causes cancer. Although, according to some researchers, there might be a connection between the frequent and prolonged exposure to glyphosate and B-cell lymphoma. The studies showed that those who have regular contact with the herbicide on a routine basis, such as those working in chemical plants, or workers in the herbicide plants, are more predisposed to have a cancer disease known as B-cell lymphoma. About 3 years ago, precisely in the year 2015, one of the bodies under the World Health Organization classified Glyphosate as a carcinogen. This decision was made based on the trials and experiments they carried out on some animals. However, shortly after, the United Nations and the same World Health organization bodies on Pesticide and Food control, concluded that it’s practically impossible for the chemical to increase the risk of developing cancer in man, even when humans are exposed to large doses of it. Likewise, some other countries such as France, Germany, Sweden and so on all also maintained the same stance on the case. It’s safe to say that the Roundup Weed killer does not cause cancer in any way, even when exposed to it at large doses.

Safe Alternatives For Roundup Weed Killer

With the Roundup weed killer being labeled carcinogenic, it’s not out of place to start considering less controversial and less toxic herbicides. Below are some of the conventional and effective herbicides;

  1. EcoSmart products: This herbicide is valid for the elimination of weeds and plants. The main component of this product is 2-Phenethyl-Propionate and Eugenol. These ingredients have been considered safe and non-toxic. However, there are also some dangers with this product. They also disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, by killing insects that might be helpful to keep the cycle of nature running smoothly.
  2. BioSafe: The product is mainly safe for man, but you should be careful not to spray it into your fishpond. The product is mildly toxic to fishes. The product is safe for home gardeners, and also for agricultural use.
  3. Other products that are safe alternatives to the Roundup weed killer are Horticultural-Strength Vinegar, Orange oil, Serious Weed Tools, and so on.

             Are The Chemicals In Roundup Unsafe For Use Around Your Home?

It’s important to think about safety, especially when using the product in the house. Below are some of the effects of the herbicide around the house;

  1. On mammals: It’s good to know that the Roundup week killer has little toxicity on mammals. However, a study was conducted in which some animals were exposed to a large quantity of the herbicide. The animals started displaying some symptoms just 2 hours after this. They showed some excitement initially, then had heart failure shortly after. They also presented with convulsion.
  2. Roundup weed killer: This herbicide when in contact with soil, reduces the way rate at which it degrades. In conclusion, this herbicide has no adverse effect on the soil. So it’s safe.

 

References

Bonn, D. (2005). Roundup Revelation: Weed Killer Adjuvants May Boost Toxicity. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(6), pp.A403-A404.

Cline, E. (1930). THE SALE OF WEED-KILLER. The Lancet, 215(5555), p.377.

Rabesandratana, T. (2016). Europe stalls weed killer renewal, again. Science.

Rabesandratana, T. (2016). Europe stalls weed killer renewal, again. Science.

Stokstad, E. (2016). European Commission gives controversial weed killer a last-minute reprieve. Science.