This week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed all departments to stop using Roundup until, and I quote, “more is known about its potential health and environmental effects.”1 (Where have they been the last couple of years? We know that the main ingredient, glyphosate, is a dangerous, cancer-causing chemical.)
The moratorium on glyphosate was suggested by Supervisor Kathryn Barger who said,
“I am asking county departments to stop the use of this herbicide until public health and environmental professionals can determine if it’s safe for further use in L.A. County and explore alternative methods for vegetation management.”1
And the motion was co-authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who said,
“In a 2015 study led by 17 experts from 11 countries, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that glyphosate should be classified as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans. That conclusion makes it imperative that we question any long-term use of this controversial herbicide, and that’s exactly what this motion calls for.”1
This is shocking but amazing news.
(Monsanto has long disputed the WHO’s findings.)
The federal Environmental Protection Agency says the weed killer has low toxicity for humans and concluded in 2017 that it is not likely to cause cancer in humans. California disagreed and tried unsuccessfully to force the company to label the weed killer with a warning.
The European Food Safety Agency does not agree with the WHO. However, a recent court ruling requires EFSA to disclose the details of its own studies.
The Board of Supervisors directed the Department of Public Works to coordinate with public health and other personnel to survey current use of the chemical and explore alternatives, including identifying best practices followed by other jurisdictions.
There will be a report in 30 days. We will update you then.
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