TL: USE OF ROUNDUP FOR URBAN WEED CONTROL
SO: Greenpeace New Zealand (GP)
DT: May 14, 1991
Keywords: glyphosate pesticides cancer roundup weeds gp
greenpeace nz  /

USE OF ROUNDUP FOR URBAN WEED CONTROL

Greenpeace is strongly opposed to the use of Roundup for urban
weed control programmes, for the following reasons:

1. The US Environmental Protection Agency has been unable to
determine the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate, the active
ingredient of Roundup, from the available scientific
information.

2. Toxicological studies have identified renal tubule adenomas
in mice subjected to high doses of glyphosate.

3. Glyphosate is known to break down into an N-nitroso compound;
many of this group of compounds are known animal carcinogens.
Formaldehyde, another known carcinogen, is also a breakdown
product.

4. Some of Monsanto's original toxicological tests, upon which
registration was based, were found to be fraudulent and the data
invalid. These tests were carried out by Industrial Bio-Test
laboratories, officers from which were indicted for falsifying
data.

The EPA requested a repeat of carcinogenicity studies; it is
currently studying these. But EPA officials have announced an
investigation into another case of falsifying data - this time
by Craven Laboratories of Texas. Again Monsanto's Roundup is one
of the pesticides suffering from data manipulation.

5. Toxicological tests concentrate on death, carcinogenicity,
mutagenicity and oncogenicity. There is no requirement for tests
on immune system suppression, behavioural changes, nervous
system damage, skin disorders, cot deaths. All of these effects
have been reported as possible results of Roundup poisoning.

6. Toxicological tests are generally carried out on the active
ingredient only, not the full formulation to which humans and
animals are exposed.

7. The New Zealand formulation of Roundup is known to contain a
contaminated surfactant, POEA. The contaminant, 1,4-dioxane, is
known to cause cancer in animals, and kidney and liver damage in
humans. POEA is also known to cause gastrointestinal and central
nervous system damage, respiratory problems, and red blood cell
destruction in humans.  A recent study by Japanese doctors
concluded that it was the POEA that caused the toxic effects,
rather than the active ingredient, glyphosate.  The formulation
they used contained 15% POEA.

The median lethal dose of POEA is less than one third that of
glyphosate.


Given the above concerns about possible health effects and the
lack of data on chronic toxicity, Greenpeace must strongly
oppose its continued use in residential areas.
 
The continued falsifying of toxicological information causes
grave concern about the whole process of registering pesticides,
which is based on information supplied by the company wishing to
sell the product.

Greenpeace advocates a precautionary approach to the use of
chemicals in the environment: when doubt exists regarding the
impact on the environment and human health, the responsible
approach is to err on the side of safety, rather than risk
significant and irreversible damage.


Meriel Watts, B.Agr.Sc.  Pesticides Campaigner, Greenpeace NZ.
14.5.91