[WORLD] Glyphosate, the primary ingredient of the widely used herbicide Roundup, has long been the subject of scientific, legal, and popular dispute. With its widespread use in agriculture and urban landscaping, concerns about its safety—particularly its potential relation to cancer—have grown more pressing. Recent research have yielded conflicting results, leaving consumers and politicians puzzled.
The Evidence: Contradictory Findings on Carcinogenicity
Studies Supporting a Cancer Link
Several studies suggest that glyphosate may raise the risk of cancer, notably non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A 2019 meta-analysis undertaken by researchers at the University of Washington indicated that glyphosate exposure increased the risk of NHL by 41%, particularly among persons with high exposure levels, such as agricultural laborers.This is consistent with previous assessments by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classed glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015 on the basis of little human evidence and ample animal data.
Recent research has also looked into the ways by which glyphosate causes harm. A March 2025 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that glyphosate-based formulations changed key breast cancer-related genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, even at low dosages. These alterations were associated with harmful effects on breast cells1.Another study showed that glyphosate lingers in bone marrow and interacts with hematopoietic stem cells, potentially increasing the risk of blood malignancies such as leukemia and NHL.
Studies Disputing a Cancer Connection
Despite these findings, regulatory organizations such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada assert that glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer when used as prescribed. A long-term research by the National Cancer Institute that followed over 50,000 licensed pesticide applicators discovered no statistically significant link between glyphosate exposure and overall cancer risk.Similarly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) determined in 2023 that glyphosate did not pose a carcinogenic risk to people under normal use settings.
Mechanisms of Action: Genotoxicity and Endocrine Disruption
The dispute goes beyond epidemiological research to mechanisms of action. While some studies suggest that glyphosate has genotoxic effects (DNA damage that can lead to cancer), others believe that it is unlikely to cause cancer solely through genotoxic processes.However, evidence of oxidative stress and endocrine disruption has been identified, potentially impacting fertility and reproductive health.
Legal Battles and Public Concern
The glyphosate dispute has sparked multiple lawsuits against Bayer (previously Monsanto), the manufacturer of Roundup. Plaintiffs claim that extended exposure to glyphosate resulted in their NHL diagnosis. Bayer has had major financial consequences, including a $10 billion deal in 2020 to address thousands of claims.The "Monsanto Papers," internal documents obtained during litigation, imply that the business attempted to influence scientific studies and downplay the risks linked with glyphosate.
Glyphosate in Food: How Safe Are We?
Glyphosate residues are frequent in food products due to its broad use in agriculture. The technique of "green burndown," in which glyphosate is applied just before harvest, increases residue levels in crops such as oats and wheat.While regulatory bodies claim that these residues are within safe limits, other scientists believe that chronic low-level exposure may nevertheless pose problems.
What’s Next? The Need for Further Research
The scientific community agrees on one thing: additional research is required. Many existing studies have limitations due to small sample sizes, recall bias, or confounding factors such as multiple chemical exposure. High-quality randomized controlled trials may provide more definitive answers about glyphosate's long-term health consequences.
The subject of whether glyphosate causes cancer is still unanswered because to conflicting evidence and regulatory conflicts. While some studies reveal a strong correlation between glyphosate exposure and some malignancies, such as NHL, others find no significant link under common usage conditions. For people concerned about potential hazards, simple actions such as thoroughly washing produce or selecting organic options can help reduce exposure.
As scientific inquiry continues, policymakers face the challenge of balancing agricultural needs with public health concerns. Until definitive answers emerge, informed decision-making based on current evidence remains crucial for individuals and communities alike.
WhatsApp
Instagram
Threads
