Glyphosate can trigger "multiple" types of cancer, even at safe levels, says study
Glyphosate, an active ingredient of the herbicide Roundup, has long been under the scanner for its potential health risks. Now, a landmark long-term study has confirmed that glyphosate exposure starting before birth causes cancer in animals.
Let's find out more...
The Study
The study, known as the Global Glyphosate Study, was led by the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center of the Ramazzini Institute in Italy, and involved scientists from multiple international institutions. It examined the effects of glyphosate and two glyphosate-based herbicide formulations on Sprague Dawley rats, a common model for toxicology studies.
The study was designed this way: the rats were exposed to glyphosate starting from the prenatal stage and continuing for two years, which is essentially their lifespan.
The doses given through drinking water were 0.5, 5, and 50 mg per kg of body weight per day — levels that correspond to what regulatory agencies currently consider safe for humans or what they are exposed to.
The results
The results were shocking, to say the least. The study found a dose-related increase in both benign and malignant tumors in the rats exposed to glyphosate and its formulations compared to the control group.
These tumors appeared in multiple organs, including the liver, ovary, thyroid, nervous system, and blood (leukemia). Not only this, about 40% of leukemia-related deaths occurred early in the animals' lives, indicating that glyphosate exposure before birth heightened vulnerability to cancer at a young age, that can turn terminal.
This study confirms and expands on previous findings by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classified glyphosate as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' in 2015 based on animal and limited human evidence.
However, glyphosate use has been constantly approved, due to insufficient evidence of risk. This new research challenges all previous approvals, by showing that even doses considered safe can cause cancer when exposure starts before birth.
(in all mammals, including humans)
The risk to humans
Though this study was conducted on rats, long-term animal studies are a standard method to predict cancer risk in humans.
Many carcinogens, such as asbestos and benzene, were first identified through rodent experiments only.
Why it is alarming
The finding that prenatal exposure increases cancer risk is particularly concerning, because it suggests that human fetuses and infants may be especially vulnerable. What makes this even more scary is that other studies have detected glyphosate in the urine of nearly all pregnant women tested in some regions, with higher levels linked to lower birth weight, and increased risk of neonatal intensive care admission.
Not only this, epidemiological studies have linked glyphosate exposure to an increased risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in humans, with some research showing up to a 41% higher risk among heavily exposed groups such as farmers and pesticide applicators. This growing body of evidence points to glyphosate as a potential health hazard not just for adults but also for developing babies.
What can you do to reduce the risk
Given the evidence, one must make all efforts to minimize glyphosate exposure, especially for pregnant women and children. Here are some practical steps:
Avoid using glyphosate-based herbicides at home or in gardens.
If you must use them, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and chemical-resistant gloves, and a thick mask. Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent inhalation or skin contact.
Wash hands thoroughly (with soap and not just sanitizer) after handling glyphosate or touching plants that may have been sprayed. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during and immediately after application.
Keep children and pets away from treated areas for at least 24 hours or as recommended on labels.
Choose organic foods when possible. Glyphosate is banned in organic farming, and switching to organic has been shown to reduce glyphosate levels in the body by up to 70% within days.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce residues. Use warm water and baking soda if needed.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
72% drop in malaria cases in Bastar from 2015, says admin
Raipur: Bastar division has recorded a 72% drop in malaria cases compared to 2015, under state's disease control programme in one of the most challenging malaria-prone regions, officials said. According to a data released by the state health department, the malaria positivity rate in Bastar has fallen from 4.60% to just 0.46%, while the Annual Parasite Incidence (API) in the region has dropped from 27.4 in 2015 to 7.11 in 2024. At the state level, the API has gone down from 5.21 to 0.98 in the same period. Compared to 2023, malaria cases in 2024 have seen a further decline of 8.52%. Health department officials said that the 10th and 11th phases of the Malaria Mukt Chhattisgarh campaign in 2024 focused on enhanced surveillance and focused treatment, which played a critical role in pushing the numbers down further. The state is conducting the campaign in alignment with guidelines from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Malaria in Chhattisgarh is primarily concentrated in the tribal and forested districts, especially in Bastar division, due to dense forest cover, remote habitations, poor healthcare access, and favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The situation would get tense mostly when a number of security jawans would fall ill or succumb to malaria, after venturing out in forests during monsoon. Frequent incidents of malaria cases among jawans spotlighted the vulnerability of frontline forces and triggered a renewed push for preventive screenings and stricter bed-net enforcement among the troops. CM Sai said that it was a result of community-driven action, consistent fieldwork of health workers, Mitanins, and medical staff. Health minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that the target is to get all districts of Chhattisgarh malaria-free, and sustained efforts are underway to realize this goal. He noted that activities such as distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, door-to-door testing, rapid treatment, and community awareness have been key drivers of this progress.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
British woman dies after an innocent-looking puppy scratch in Morocco
A 59-year-old British woman has passed away after contracting rabies from what appeared to be an innocuous scratch by a stray puppy while on holiday in Morocco last year. The case is the UK's first travel-acquired rabies death since 2018 and prompted urgent reminders about the dangers of animal contact overseas by health officials. The Barnsley woman, Yvonne Ford, was scratched by a stray puppy in February 2025. Thinking it was only a minor cut, she didn't have it treated immediately. But weeks later, in early June, she started suffering from serious neurological symptoms such as headache, paralysis, and the inability to speak, swallow, or sleep. Even hospitalization and medical treatment in the UK could not save Ford, who died on June 11 due to the infection. Rabies is a viral infection that is nearly always terminal once symptoms appear but is completely preventable if treated quickly after exposure. There is no risk to the general public, but all who may have had contact with Ford including medical staff are being offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as a precaution, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states. PEP involves a course of rabies vaccines, which, if given early, are almost 100% effective at preventing the disease. "These are tragic circumstances and a stark reminder of the risks of rabies in some regions of the world," added UKHSA's Dr. Katherine Russell. "If you have been bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal from a place where rabies exists, it's crucial to wash the wound thoroughly and get immediate medical attention." she added. Rabies is prevalent in most countries in Asia and Africa, including Morocco. It is most commonly spread through the saliva of infected animals by bites or scratches. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that rabies kills about 59,000 people annually across the world, and 99% of human cases are caused by dog exposure. Yvonne Ford's case mirrors a similar tragedy from 2018, when another British citizen died after being bitten by a rabid cat in Morocco. All rabies deaths in the UK since 2000 have involved infections acquired while traveling overseas. Health officials are advising travelers to rabies-endemic areas to keep away from stray or unknown animals. In some instances, particularly for individuals staying in rural areas for prolonged periods or working intensely with animals,pre-exposure vaccination is advisable prior to travel. They also emphasize that even the slightest wounds, such as a scratch, can be lethal if they are not treated. Travellers are advised to clean any animal-related wound at once with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes and immediately get urgent medical attention for examination and potential rabies vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says Avoid contact with wild or stray animals: Keep your distance from wildlife and stray dogs or cats, whether at home or abroad In the U.S. rabies is rare, but it remains widespread elsewhere; always check whether dogs or wildlife carry rabies at your destination. Vaccinate pets regularly: Ensure household pets stay up to date on rabies shots Many countries require imported dogs to be vaccinated and microchipped. Clean wounds immediately: Any bite or scratch from an animal, even a minor one, should be washed thoroughly for 15 minutes with soap and water. Vaccination: Pre-exposure Recommended for those working with animals or traveling to regions with limited medical care. Usually a 2-dose series, under CDC's ACIP guidelines, simplified from the older 3-dose method. After exposure: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) Clean the wound thoroughly Administer human rabies immune globulin Start the rabies vaccine series (4 doses over 14 days for those previously unvaccinated, 2 doses for those previously vaccinated). Remember, prevention is better than cure. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Yoga Day 2025: Shavasana to baddha konasana, 8 best asanas for PCOS
Yoga Day 2025: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a chronic hormonal condition that can result in irregular periods, severe pain and even weight gain – affects up to 6–13 percent women of reproductive age and up to 70 percent of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide, according to World Health Organization. But did you know yoga may be able to help manage PCOS symptoms? Also read | Gynaecologist explains how your menstrual health can reveal early signs of PCOS: 'Heavy bleeding isn't always normal' Yoga Day 2025: Bow pose sends a gentle wave of fresh blood to your head and pelvis, easing tightness in the tummy while providing a mild internal massage (Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Samiksha Shetty, founder of Rising Loka, said that instead of silently suffering from PCOS, women should be encouraged to make lifestyle changes that could support their health. 'A consistent workout routine which includes yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation, helps balance women's hormones, insulin resistance and blood sugar levels,' she said. Samiksha added, 'Now, you might say any workout can do that. But yoga works on a cellular level as well. Yoga goes way beyond its physical benefits—it helps reduce stress and cortisol levels, which is very important for hormonal health. Yoga can help relieve anxiety, balance hormones, improve menstrual cycles, and rev up your body's metabolism. Also, relaxation is the key to fighting PCOS.' She suggested that a daily calming yoga practice with a focus on stress reduction is a good place to start. However, it is important to understand our body's ability to practice certain asana/yoga flows, she said, and added: 'Not all yoga practices are stress-reducing. Some vigorous practices may stress the body and add to the load on the adrenal glands.' Samiksha added that a regular yoga practice makes us more aware and helps us focus on our breathing patterns. 'Breathing is something so natural to us that we often take it for granted. The three pranayama practices that are beneficial for PCOS are alternate nostril breathing (a subtle energy clearing technique), bhramari pranayama (a humming bee breathing technique), and kapalbhathi pranayama (a breath of fire).' Are there any specific yoga poses that may help with PCOS? Here's what Samiksha suggested: Despite its apparent simplicity, shavasana is one of the most crucial yoga poses. (Freepik) 1. Vyaghra shwasa (tiger breathing) She said, 'You probably know it better as the cat-cow stretch. Done with steady, deep breaths, it eases tightness in your spine, back, and neck, adds movement to those areas, and leaves the whole body feeling calmer.' 2. Malasana (garland pose) aka wide squat pose 'At first glance, this sturdy squat looks easy, yet the comforts of modern life have made it surprisingly tough for many of us. If your heels stubbornly lift, slide a rolled towel, mat or block under them and keep breathing,' she added. 3. Parivrtta trikonasana stretch (revolved triangle breathing) According to Samiksha, gentle twists like this one 'massage the waist, tone the belly and give the reproductive organs a nice boost'. 4. Baddha konasana (bound angle or butterfly pose) Samiksha said, 'Also called 'the butterfly', this seated pose is cherished by women dealing with PCOS and eases cramps and backache during periods and pregnancy. Beyond that it loosens stiff ankles, knees and hips, opens the joint, and finally sparks a much-needed emotional release.' 5. Dhanurasana (bow pose) 'Bow pose sends a gentle wave of fresh blood to your head and pelvis, easing tightness in the tummy while providing a mild internal massage. When done regularly, it builds endurance in the reproductive organs and offers relief from stubborn indigestion and constipation alike,' she added. 6. Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose) According to Samiksha, 'Bridge pose works wonders for achy lower backs, sciatica, and general stiffness in ankles, hips, backs, thighs, and shoulder blades. It also supports reproductive health, broadens lung capacity, and can soothe discomfort during menstruation or throughout pregnancy while firming up the muscles along your spine.' 7. Balasana (pose of the child) She added, 'The child's pose, which encourages relaxation by soothing the central nervous system, is one of the most vital yoga poses for PCOs. In addition, it normalises blood flow throughout the body and reduces PMS symptoms, lower back tension, and menstrual cramps.' 8. Shavasana (pose of the corpse) 'Despite its apparent simplicity, shavasana is one of the most crucial yoga poses. Since we do not perceive the benefits of this pose, many of us avoid it. Your nervous system is balanced by this pose. It facilitates the body's transition into a relaxed and peaceful state. It aids in body cooling and the removal of emotional blockages,' she concluded. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
