Glyphosate (Roundup)
Toxins · Broad-spectrum herbicide
Low priority
What this is
One of the most contested chemicals in modern toxicology. IARC Group 2A ('probably carcinogenic') vs EPA 'not likely carcinogenic' disagreement has driven decades of litigation. Pre-harvest desiccation (applying glyphosate to wheat/oats/legumes to ripen uniformly) drives higher residues in grain products than direct crop treatment. Bayer $10B+ settlement to resolve Monsanto acquisition's Roundup lawsuits.
Mechanism
N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine; inhibits EPSP synthase (shikimate pathway — plants/microbes only, not mammals); most-used herbicide globally; IARC 2015 classified as 'probably carcinogenic' (Group 2A); ongoing legal and regulatory controversy
Dose & route
Organic produce (especially wheat/oats/legumes — pre-harvest desiccation); don't pre-harvest-desiccate own garden
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30801321/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27116171/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6612199/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.