glyphosate

Common Herbicide Glyphosate Significantly Harms Infants’ Health in Rural Areas, New Research Suggests

January 16, 2025 | Source: U.S. Right to Know | by Pamela Ferdinand

Glyphosate, a synthetic herbicide best known as the active ingredient in Roundup®, has significantly harmed the health of babies in rural U.S. communities over the last two decades—especially those already at risk of poor birth outcomes, new research shows.

Spurred by the introduction of genetically modified seeds by Monsanto in 1996, the use of glyphosate nationwide has increased by more than 750%. In that time, researchers from the University of Oregon estimate that maternal exposure to the pesticide reduced the average birth weight of babies and duration of pregnancy (gestational length) in rural areas, where it is most prevalent.

Low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces) and premature birth (before 37 weeks) are important health indicators because they are strongly associated with short- and long-term outcomes for newborns, including infant mortality, developmental disabilities, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. They also reflect maternal well-being, as well as the overall health of a population, including access to health care.