We live in a dichotomous society. That statement in and of itself can pack a punch, so I'll elaborate. We live in a culture where we are constantly instilled with ideologies of individualism and illustrating one's uniqueness. While, at the same time, we are profoundly socioculturally dependent beings. Just think about an average day of your life. What things are we dependent upon for our survival? Heat, shelter, food, water, just to name a few at the top of the list. Long-term, we can expand and include our health: we are dependent upon a health care system (i.e., medical professionals, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, etc.)
While we pride ourselves in being individualistic, we also are some of the most dependent species on the planet. So, why does this matter? When we think about some of the leading pharmaceutical brands on the market that have greatly impacted the quality of life for millions, what name comes to mind? Bayer. But before we get to understanding the devastation that awaits us with Bayer, let's acquire some back story with a Monsanto product and investigate the severe environmental dangers that we currently live with.
ROUND UP (GLYPHOSATE)
Glyphosate is a phosphonate chemical compound which is utilized as a broad-spectrum herbicide. In 1964, the first patented was acquired for glyphosate by Stauffer Chemical. Initially, glyphosate was used as a metal chelator: to clean commercial boilers and pipes. In 1974, glyphosate acquired it's commercial name Round Up and was first registered for use in the United States.
HOW MUCH IS USED IN U.S. /GLOBALLY?
Since it was first registered for commercial use in 1974, more than 3.5 billion pounds has been used across the United States alone. It is stated that Round Up is the most heavily used herbicide in history. Globally, the numbers are even more astounding. Over 18.9 billion pounds of glyphosate is used around the world.
HOW IS ROUND UP USED?
In the United States... over 750 products contain glyphosate and are sold commercially at various stores. Many products are either sprays (e.g., liquid form), salts, or powders used as herbicides agricultural desiccants, or other lawn treatments. Unfortunately, in the recent years, over 9 household name brands of cereal and other breakfast foods have been found to contain trace amounts of glyphosate. Cheerios, Ritz crackers, and Khasi cookies are included in the group that contained residual amounts of this probable human carcinogen.
Now, with the World Health Organization and the FDA involved, in the past year, more foods and consumables have been further tested and monitored to see just how far Monsanto has gone.
Globally... glyphosate is used in similar ways. It impacts agriculture, produce village's food and drinking sources. Some industrial companies still utilize this chemical as a strong metal chelator. In 2010, glyphosate was patented as a human antibiotic. Extremely shocking that this chemical could be authorized for human consumption when it is a well-known carcinogen.
HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL HARM
Glyphosate is toxic in the human body. However, this poses a question as to why this chemical is currently found in many foods, drinks, and used within our environment where it can enter into the human body? Not surprisingly, in January 2017 Bayer and Monsanto have announced a corporate merger worth over 2.5 billion dollars. Bayer is a common household name, not only in pharmaceuticals, but overall public health of the nation. Many people have utilized Bayer for cardiovascular health.
With the devastating history Monsanto has, many public health officials are profoundly concerned about what this merger will bring. The FDA and WHO has reported the chemical Monsanto has created is a profound cancer-causing agent. Yet, what other health and environmental concerns should we be aware of with glyphosate?
Some symptoms of (acute) exposure to glyphosate can include:
• nausea (e.g., burns to the mouth and throat)
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• exposure risks to domestic pets (cats and dogs)
Common foods such as honey, soy sauce, and breakfast cereals have levels of glyphosate in them as well. From an environmental perspective, the harm is massive as well. Within our agricultural system, many farmers are utilizing Round Up on their crops. These crops then, enter into our ecosystem and the foods that we consume. We then, get this toxic chemical in our bloodstream. So, how has Round Up influenced the foods that we survive off of?
ROUND UP READY CROPS
All GMO's are round up ready crops. This means, these particular crops have been genetically modified to be resistant to Round Up exposure. This would cause the crops themselves to continue growing and living while the weeds surrounding it would be killed off.
Overall, the harmful effects of exposure to glyphosate on the human body and the environment are astounding. The FDA and World Health Organization are continuing to regulate and enforce the exposure levels of this deadly chemical in foods and drinking water, but more action must be taken. We are accountable for our own health and environment. Take precaution and make small choices now, that can impact future generations for a life time.
