Posted on: Friday, March 18, 2005
Widescale dispute on safety of glyphosate
| • | Herbicide under fire |
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
To read the reviews, you'd think the herbicide glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup, Rodeo, AquaMaster and a number of other plant-killing formulas — was the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of weed control.
Detractors say it's unsafe.
"It may be better than Agent Orange, but it's still bad," said Bari Green, educational program director with the Hawai'i Organic Farmers Association.
Manufacturers and many outside the industry say it's one of the safest pesticides — no more toxic than table salt or aspirin.
"It is one of the safest compounds out there. There is no real chronic toxicity," said Stephanie Whalen, director of the Hawai'i Agricultural Research Center.
Because of its effectiveness and its reported safety, glyphosate is hugely popular.
"It remains one of the largest volume herbicides used globally," said Dr. Daniel Goldstein, a pediatrician and toxicologist who works for Monsanto, which produces Roundup.
Opponents say its extensive use creates a problem.
"Pesticides are designed to kill, and they do. It may be safer than others, but it is the most-used herbicide and that causes a problem," said Kaua'i resident Caren Diamond.
The EPA says that there can be health problems from excessive exposure to glyphosate, but that such exposure is very uncommon. The EPA also says that it's unlikely the herbicide will get into the water supply and that it "does not tend to accumulate in aquatic life."
Most agree that in some people, Roundup can be irritating to the skin and eyes. University of Washington environmental toxicologist Allan S. Felsot compared its irritation potential to baby shampoo. Goldstein, the Monsanto toxicologist, acknowledges there has been "some mild irritation."
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.
