Glyphosate: Cancer, Liver Disease, Endocrine Disruption and Other Health Concerns

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide. It is linked to cancer, liver and kidney disease, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and many other health concerns.

First patented by the Monsanto Company, glyphosate is now manufactured and sold by many companies in hundreds of products. It is best known as the active ingredient in Roundup-branded herbicides, and the herbicide used with “Roundup Ready” genetically modified organisms (GMOs). More than 90% of GMO corn and soybeans in the U.S. are genetically engineered to tolerate herbicides, according to USDA data.

A 2017 study in JAMA found that Americans’ exposure to glyphosate increased approximately 500 percent since Roundup Ready GMO crops were introduced in 1996. More than 80% of urine samples drawn from children and adults in a 2022 U.S. study contained glyphosate, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scientists described this finding as “disturbing” and “concerning.”

Monsanto owner Bayer AG maintains that glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides are safe when used as directed “Glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most extensively tested products, with more than 1,500 studies and 50 years of research,” Bayer states on its website. “After reviewing the volume of scientific research and evaluations by regulatory agencies over the years, experts and regulators worldwide have concluded that glyphosate-based products can be used safely as directed.”