Glyphosate


Glyphosate is the most commonly used weed killer in the world, with about two-thirds of herbicide sales and is sold by the original manufacturer, Monsanto. The TUC says that weed killers containing glyphosate are dangerous and can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The chemical can also cause oral and throat discomfort if it is breathed in. Eye exposure may lead to mild conjunctivitis. If swallowed, it may cause corrosion of the throat and can lead to kidney or liver failure. It is also believed that it can cause cancer.



In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Carcinogens announced that glyphosate probably causes a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Those at risk of exposure to glyphosate include parks staff, agricultural workers, gardeners and some forestry workers.



The TUC called on employers to review their risk assessments in view of this research. It produced Glyphosate: Advice for workplace representatives (May 2015), which sets out the role of safety reps and can be found on the TUC website.


Following a European-wide campaign for a ban on glyphosate, the European Commission announced in June 2016 that it had extended its approval of the substance until the end of 2017 at the latest. By this time, an additional opinion on the properties of the active substance is expected from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the Commission will take this into account when it decides its next steps.


The Commission also proposed restricting the conditions of its use in the EU, including minimising its use in public parks and playgrounds. More information can be found on the European Commission website.