BREDL Fact Sheet

GLYPHOSATE HERBICIDE
SPRAYING EXPOSES US TO NEEDLESS RISK

Glyphosate is a water soluble, organophosphate herbicide of medium short-term (acute) toxicity to mammals, and of low to medium toxicity to birds, fish, and insects. Long-tern toxicity (chronic) it is a suspected carcinogen and mutagen.
- Basic Guide to Pesticides,  S. Briggs 1992, Hemisphere Publishing

Test results show a decrease in bird and small mammal populations in areas treated with this herbicide. Seventy-six endangered species (mostly plants) are jeopardized by the use of glyphosate, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.        
- Journal of Pesticide Reform 1991

"Nitrosamines are a special class of transformation products, frequently found to be carcinogenic, in some cases the most potent carcinogens known. They form when an amine in a compound comes into contact with a nitrosating agent such as nitrous acid in saliva and the stomach of ingesting animals, in soil, water, air, and certain industrial processes."
- Basic Guide to Pesticides, S. Briggs,1992 Hemisphere Publishing

CONTAMINANTS

N-nitrosoglyphosate (NNG) is a potential contaminant of all glyphosate products. NNG's chemical structure suggests that it is likely to cause cancer. Animal tests reveal decreased survival rates, decreased numbers of live births, and a reduction in newborn survival. Unlike glyphosate, it is rapidly absorbed following ingestion.      
- Journal of Pesticide Reform vol. 11 no.2

SURFACTANTS

"The surfactants either added to or used with glyphosate-containing herbicides are acutely toxic to both humans and aquatic animals."      
- Journal of Pesticide Reform, Caroline Cox, Fall 1993, vol 13 no. 3

HALF-LIFE

Depending on soil microorganisms: 35-63 days, residues found after 152-335 days
- Journal of Pesticide Reform vol 11 no 2

No information was found in the available literature on treatment technologies capable of effectively removing glyphosate from contaminated water. "Children and pets should be kept from any contact with areas of application for a minimum of 24 hours after use." 
- Journal of the American Medical Association 5/5/89 vol 261 no. 17

USEAGE

Glyphosate is used to clear plants from rights-of-way for highways and utility power lines.  Clearing vegetation by hand offers a safe, non-toxic alternative and would provide more jobs.