Dr Oz: Cancerous Weed Killer
Dr Oz shared that the world’s most used weed killer is called RoundUp and the World Health Organization (WHO) is now saying that it could cause cancer. The study is rocking agriculture and could effect home gardening as well. The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer recently gathered experts from several countries to find out what the likelihood that glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, could cause cancer.
After analyzing 30 years of research, they found that glyphosate is “probably” carcinogenic. Use of the chemical has increased over the years. Dr Alan Greene is a pediatrician and Scott Faber is the president of the Environment Working Group.
Dr Oz: Weed Killer Debate
Dr Oz took a closer look at the potential dangers of using the common weed killer RoundUp. (30591976@N05 / flickr)
Dr Oz shared that he tries to help his viewers see both sides of issues, but he couldn’t get anyone on the show who supports glyphosate. Even the maker of RoundUp declined to be on the show.
CropLife America made the following statement: “The IARC Report contradicts established scientific consensus on these products and reaches inaccurate conclusions based on a flawed process.”
In farm parts of our country, the chemical can even show up in rain water, but perhaps most shocking is that the product is used in our parks, in ball fields, and even in our own yards, so it shows up everywhere. Dr Greene said IARC is the world’s leading experts who gave the chemical one of their highest levels of concern.
Dr Oz: Dangers Of Glyphosate
Monsanto said in part: “…All labeled uses of Glyphosate are safe for human health… Many other regulatory bodies and science organizations… have reviewed three decades of data on glyphosate. Their overwhelming consensus has been that glyphosate does not pose a risk to humans, wildlife, or the environment.”
Studies were done on animals that show the chemical does cause cancer in mammals. Human cells were also used in research and they found DNA and chromosomal damage from glyphosate, which could lead to cancer. They also looked at people who are routinely exposed to glyphosate through their line of work, in three different countries, and found higher rates of a certain type of cancer. All of that evidence together is what made them form the opinion that it’s probably cancerous.
Dr Oz: Concerns Over Common Herbicide
Dr Oz brought in Robyn O’Brien, who is a mom and food advocate. She said the chemical company is defending one of their most profitable products, so they’re trying to dismiss claims and refute any issues. But these are leading cancer researchers. Cancer is a leading cause of death in both children and adults, so it’s time to practice precaution.
The Environmental Protection Agency said in part: “the EPA is currently reassessing glyphosate… If at any time EPA discovers that the use of a registered pesticide may result in unreasonable adverse effects on people or the environment, we will take action to remove it from the marketplace or limit its use.”
Dr Oz: Stop Dangerous Pesticide Use
For 20 years we were told the this herbicide was a better alternative to other herbicides, so we’ve sprayed more than 200 million pounds of it per year. Now it’s been found to be a probable carcinogen, which means that the EPA got it wrong before.
Robyn said no one wants to be told what to do, but no one wants cancer either. She proposed that labels be created or that information be shared to let people know that what they’re eating may contain the chemical.
Dr Oz encouraged his viewers in October 2014 to sign a petition to get President Obama to stop the approval of a more dangerously potent pesticide and the petition got more than 100,000 signatures. Demand more transparency.
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