New Study: Reformulated Roundup Potentially More Toxic to Health and Environment

A recent scientific study reveals that reformulated versions of Roundup, one of the world’s most widely used weedkillers, may pose greater health and environmental risks than the glyphosate version. The findings come amid ongoing concerns about the alleged connection between Roundup exposure and cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This new research raises fresh questions about the safety of herbicides that millions of agricultural workers and homeowners use regularly.

Background on Roundup and Glyphosate Concerns

The history of Roundup traces back to 1974 when Monsanto first introduced the herbicide to the market. Initially well-received as a less toxic alternative to DDT, Roundup became the world’s most widely used herbicide, particularly after the introduction of Roundup-resistant crops in 1996. However, regulatory scrutiny of glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, has intensified over the years. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This classification sparked significant debate and led to increased regulatory attention worldwide.

Bayer Acquires Monsanto and Roundup

The controversy surrounding Roundup intensified after Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018, facing over 150,000 claims linking the product to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other diseases. In response to mounting litigation, Bayer pledged in 2021 to reformulate Roundup and remove glyphosate from products sold to U.S. consumers starting in 2023, while maintaining that the decision was made “exclusively to manage litigation risk and not because of any safety concerns.”

New Study Findings on Reformulated Roundup

Despite expectations that removing glyphosate from Roundup would make the weed killer safer, a recent analysis released by the environmental advocacy group Friends of the Earth (FOE) warns that reformulated Roundup products may be considerably more toxic than glyphosate-based versions. According to the study findings, new Roundup formulations sold at Home Depot and Lowe’s are 45 times more toxic to human health following long-term, chronic exposure compared to previous versions of the herbicide. The reformulated products now contain four new active ingredients replacing glyphosate: Diquat dibromide, Fluazifop-P-butyl, Triclopyr, and Imazapic. 

The FOE study indicates that, based on prior research by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the potential health risks associated with these four chemicals surpass those of glyphosate. Key health concerns include:

• Birth and developmental abnormalities
• Reproductive dysfunction
• Kidney and liver damage
• Skin, eye, and respiratory system irritation 

Of particular concern is diquat dibromide, present in all new Roundup formulations, which allegedly shows 200 times more chronic toxicity than glyphosate when exposure occurs over a long period. This chemical has been banned in the European Union due to its classification as a highly hazardous pesticide.

Regulatory and Consumer Implications

The regulatory landscape surrounding Roundup has shifted significantly as mounting concerns prompt closer scrutiny of herbicide formulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains specific requirements for pesticide labeling, though current regulations do not mandate warnings about new chemical formulations or increased risks. This has led to significant consumer confusion, as many Roundup-branded products now contain herbicides other than glyphosate, which some users may not realize.

What This Means for Consumers

Scientific evidence points to substantial concerns regarding reformulated Roundup products, with research indicating significantly higher toxicity levels compared to previous versions. These new formulations, containing chemicals like diquat dibromide, allegedly demonstrate 45 times greater chronic toxicity and pose increased risks to wildlife, soil health, and water systems. Environmental assessments suggest these compounds show greater persistence in ecosystems and higher potential for groundwater contamination, raising serious questions about long-term exposure effects on human health and environmental safety.