Hidden dangers in the garden shed
Monsanto developed and patented the glyphosate molecule in the 1970s, and has marketed it as Roundup since 1973. It is freely available as a weed killer for gardens from supermarkets and hardware stores. Glyphosate is now one of the world's top-selling herbicide formulas and also one of the most toxic, according to a recent study published in the open-access journal Ecotoxicology. It is estimated that 0.6-1.1 million tonnes of glyphosate herbicides such as Roundup are applied annually, mainly in the cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant crops such as genetically modified “Roundup-ready” soybean.
SAFETY CLAIMS UNTRUE Contrary to the unfounded safety claims made by Monsanto, glyphosate’s toxicity is much more prolific throughout the environment than previously thought, even at levels far below what is generally considered to be "safe." Researchers from the Centre for Biosafety at the University of Tromso in Norway(1) found that, even at miniscule levels, glyphosate and Roundup are both acutely and chronically toxic to aquatic creatures. The dosing of whole crops with glyphosate year after year, will lead to glyphosate accumulation in the soil biomass through shed mycorrhiza and root hairs saturated with glyphosate and as a result mycorrhizal networks and soil micro-organisms are destroyed. Glyphosate acts like a false phosphate; it is chemically very stable and poorly degraded by bacteria. SOILS TOO TOXIC FOR PLANT LIFE These increased levels of glyphosate will initially harm not only soil fertility but could later lead to an environment too toxic for any plant to grow and at the same time accelerate the development of glyphosate resistant weeds. Some weeds have done this already. In a nightmare scenario one could wake up, say in thirty year’s time, to see crops withering in the fields because soils had become too toxic for any plant life and staring in the face of world famine as arable land turned into biological deserts. CHRONIC INFLAMMATION In humans, glyphosate has been found to impede the body's ability to properly detoxify, as well as promoting the type of chronic inflammation that leads to more serious health problems in the future. Glyphosate residues enhance the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and toxins in the environment. Researchers claim “Negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body.” (2) |
DAMAGE TO HUMAN CELLS
Other prominent research has found that glyphosate directly damages and kills human cells, including embryonic, placental, and umbilical cord cells. Many of the inert, or supposedly "inactive" ingredients added to Roundup and other glyphosate formulas are also highly damaging, having been found to directly interfere with normal hormone production and cellular function in otherwise healthy people, as well as foetal development in pregnant women. NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS Former US Navy staff scientist Dr. Nancy Swanson has meticulously collected statistics on glyphosate usage and various diseases and conditions, including autism. A more perfect match-up between the rise in glyphosate usage and incidence of autism, shown below, is hard to imagine. Her published articles and reports can be found on ‘Sustainable Pulse’,(4) a website dedicated to exposing the hazards of genetically engineered foods. According to Dr. Swanson,” Prevalence and incidence data show correlations between diseases of the organs and the increase in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the food supply, along with the increase in glyphosate-based herbicide applications. More and more studies have revealed carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting effects of Roundup at lower doses than those authorized for residues found in GMO’s. The endocrine disrupting properties also lead to neurological disorders (learning disabilities (LD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). Those most susceptible are children and the elderly.” The two key problems caused by glyphosate in the diet are nutritional deficiencies and systemic toxicity. Your gut bacteria are a key component of glyphosate’s mechanism of harm. WHEN A LITTLE MEANS A LOT It would be wise to think twice before sprinkling "Roundup" freely on your paths, drives and gardens. The damage is insidious. When everyone uses 'just a little' this soon adds up to a great deal as it trickles down to pollute the grounds and seeps into the water courses. Researchers say that Monsanto have known since 1981 that Glyphosate can cause cancer. References: No.1 http://www.naturalnews.com/041150_Monsanto_Roundup_glyphosate.html #ixzz2mp3r5HYo No. 2 Entropy http://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/15/4/1416 No.3 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - USA No.4 http://sustainablepulse,com/2013/04/27/dr-swanson-gmos-and-roundup-increase-chronic-diseases-infertility-and-birth-defects/#.UqjEsPu1v3s |