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.