Is Glyphosate Safe? Part 2--Day of the Dead

In a discussion of the toxicity of glyphosate, Beyond Pesticides states:

Glyphosate is moderately persistent in soil, with an average half-life of 47 days, although there are studies reporting field half lives of up to 174 days. Residues of glyphosate have been known to persist for months in anaerobic soils deficient in microorganisms. Glyphosate residues are difficult to detect in environmental samples and most laboratories are not able to perform this service because of the lack of generally available, economically feasible methodology.

Glyphosate use directly impacts a variety of non-target animals including insects, earthworms, and fish, and indirectly impacts birds and small mammals.A study conducted by the International Organization for Biological Control found that exposure to RoundupTM killed over 50 percent of three species of beneficial insects – a parasitoid wasp, a lacewing and a ladybug. Repeated applications of glyphosate significantly affected the growth and survival of earthworms. Studies have also shown that glyphosate, and in particular the inert ingredients in the formulation of RoundupTM are acutely toxic to fish.

Most of the information sited in the article was from the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides. NCAP published The Journal of Pesticide Reform--recognized nationally for their education programs about pesticides. Additional information about this herbicide from the Journal of Pesticide Reform:

• Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is the third most commonly-reported cause of pesticide illness among agricultural workers in California.
• Glyphosate is the most commonly reported cause of pesticide illness among landscape maintenance workers in California.
• The surfactant ingredient in Roundup is more acutely toxic than glyphosate itself and the combination of the two is yet more toxic.
• Glyphosate is suspected of causing genetic damage.
• Glyphosate is acutely toxic to fish and birds and can kill beneficial insects and soil organisms that maintain ecological balance.
• Laboratory studies have identified adverse effects of glyphosate-containing products in all standard categories of toxicological testing.
• Glyphosate residues in soil can persist over a year.
• Glyphosate residues has been found in strawberries, wild blueberries and raspberries, lettuce, carrots and barley.
• Glyphosate has been measured 1,300 - 2,600 feet away from its application site.
• Monsanto, manufacturer of Roundup, agreed with the New York Attorney General's office to discontinue their use of the terms "biodegradable" and "environmentally friendly" in ads promoting glyphosate-based products, including Roundup.