How harmful is Glyphosate (Roundup)?

Glyphosate (Roundup) is rated LOW avoidance priority (3.8/10) on the Read Off Label scale, derived from disputed evidence of moderate harm magnitude and low-moderate exposure prevalence.

Rankings / Toxins

Glyphosate (Roundup)

Toxins · Broad-spectrum herbicide

Low priority

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

pesticidebanned

3.8 / 10

LOW

Mag 5 Ev 3 Prev 3

Bottom line

Read Off Label rates Glyphosate (Roundup) a LOW avoidance priority (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.

The intervention here is reducing exposure, not adding a compound.

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

Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.

Common questions

How harmful is Glyphosate (Roundup)?: Glyphosate (Roundup) is rated LOW avoidance priority (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
How do you reduce exposure to 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.