Glyphosate Declared a Probable Human Carcinogen
NutritionFacts.orgPublished on July 13, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
This article discusses glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, and its classification as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC. It highlights the controversies surrounding Monsanto's influence in scientific research and the ongoing debate about glyphosate's safety.
Key Points
- Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.
- Monsanto has faced significant controversy and criticism regarding its practices and influence on scientific research.
- The IARC's classification of glyphosate raised questions about its safety and led to a significant public debate.
Understanding Glyphosate: A Comprehensive Overview
For those who don't know me yet, I'm Dr. Kristine Dennis, a PhD-trained scientist with expertise in nutrition and public health. At NutritionFacts, I serve as Senior Research Scientist, and alongside Dr. Greger, research and write new video scripts. In this four-part series, I will cover glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides on food crops, addressing its classification as a probable human carcinogen, exposure levels, and potential health risks.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that has been in commercial use since the 1970s. The first glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup, was developed to effectively kill nearly all non-GMO plant species. It works by being absorbed into the plant, where it disrupts specific biochemical pathways necessary for plant growth.
The Controversy Surrounding Glyphosate
The discourse about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is often filled with controversy, particularly concerning their relationship with glyphosate. Monsanto, the company behind the commercialization of glyphosate, has faced criticism from environmental groups, making it a target in the debate over GMOs. Glyphosate-resistant crops, introduced in the mid-1990s, now dominate U.S. corn and soybean production, complicating the conversation around safety and regulation.
Health Concerns and Regulatory Responses
In 2014, Dr. Greger highlighted safety concerns regarding glyphosate, especially in Roundup, noting potential adverse effects on human health. However, he concluded that there was no direct human data suggesting harm from eating GMOs at that time. This changed when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" based on animal studies and limited human evidence.
Implications of the IARC Report
The IARC's classification led to significant controversy, leading to questions about the integrity of their research process. Critics of the report, often backed by Monsanto, attempted to discredit the findings, reminiscent of tactics used by the tobacco industry in the past.
The Role of Monsanto in Scientific Discourse
Internal emails released during lawsuits against Monsanto revealed troubling practices, such as ghostwriting studies to discredit independent research that highlighted the dangers of glyphosate. Additionally, there were attempts to influence scientific discourse by promoting researchers who aligned with their views while sidelining those who raised concerns about glyphosate's safety.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over glyphosate and its health implications continues to evolve. While some agencies have raised concerns about its potential carcinogenicity, the debate is further complicated by corporate influence and public perception. In the next parts of this series, we will explore how much glyphosate we are exposed to from our food and how we can reduce this exposure.