The new target date for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) assessment on glyphosate is now sometime in the spring of 2017, which coincides with the arrival of a new presidential administration. The EPA is two years late in proposing risk levels that will be the basis for a decision on whether or not lawmakers will keep the herbicide on the market. Some say the blame falls on the International Center for Research on Cancer for the delay in decision making. A report in March of 2015 from the Research Center found glyphosate to be a possible carcinogen risk. That report is making it more difficult for policymakers around the world who say that the product is safe for its prescribed uses. The report didn’t actually look at approved uses of the product or deal with exposure levels, it just found that it is possible for the chemical to cause cancer.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.
From: National Pesticide Information Center
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is an herbicide. It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. The sodium salt form of glyphosate is used to regulate plant growth and ripen fruit.
Glyphosate was first registered for use in the U.S. in 1974. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. People apply it in agriculture and forestry, on lawns and gardens, and for weeds in industrial areas. Some products containing glyphosate control aquatic plants.
What are some products that contain glyphosate?
Glyphosate comes in many forms, including an acid and several salts. These can be either solids or an amber-colored liquid. There are over 750 products containing glyphosate for sale in the United States.
Always follow label instructions and take steps to avoid exposure. If any exposures occur, be sure to follow the First Aid instructions on the product label carefully. For additional treatment advice, contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If you wish to discuss a pesticide problem, please call 1-800-858-7378.