Glyphosate (Roundup)
Toxins · Broad-spectrum herbicide
Low exposure concern
Bottom line
Read Off Label rates Glyphosate (Roundup) a LOW exposure concern (3.8/10) based on disputed evidence of moderate harm magnitude and low-moderate exposure prevalence.
One of the most contested chemicals in modern toxicology.
This entry describes an exposure rather than an added intervention.
What the evidence says
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
Reported exposure / mitigation context
Residue context includes conventional produce and pre-harvest desiccation of wheat and oats and legumes; organic production excludes glyphosate use
Citations
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Common questions
- How harmful is Glyphosate (Roundup)?
- Glyphosate (Roundup) is rated LOW exposure concern (3.8/10) on the Read Off Label scale, derived from disputed evidence of moderate harm magnitude and low-moderate exposure prevalence.
- How does Glyphosate (Roundup) cause harm?
- 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
- What exposure context is reported for Glyphosate (Roundup)?
- One of the most contested chemicals in modern toxicology.
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.