From August 11, 2005
Study Finds
Small Doses of Roundup Weedkiller Kills Frogs
(Beyond Pesticides, August 11, 2005) A study reported
this month in Science
Daily finds that Roundup, the herbicide thought to be less
harmful than most other toxic herbicides in its class, is highly toxic
to amphibians at much lower concentration levels than tested previously.
The study also finds that the pesticide’s deadly effects are not
mitigated by the dilution of soil.
The
study published in this month’s issue of Ecological Applications
finds that 71 percent of tadpoles were killed within weeks after being
exposed to one-third of the maximum concentration level expected in
nature. The study also finds that baby frogs, or tadpoles, are not the
only stage of amphibian development affected. Tests also show that an
application of Roundup® Weed and Grass Killer, a common product
marketed to homeowners and gardeners, kills up to 86 percent of terrestrial
frogs after only one day.
Researchers lead by Rick Relyea out of the University of Pittsburgh
also find that adding soil to the test study, thought to absorb the
pesticide, made no effect on preventing the death of most of the three
species of tadpoles. The researchers join others nationwide who increasingly
suspect that Roundup along with other common herbicides like atrazine
to be primary contributors to the worldwide decline in amphibian species
(see photo
story). The decline is believed to be a gauge of the toxic pollution
adversely affecting the natural state of the environment.
The active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate,
tops the list as the most widely used herbicide in the U.S., with up
to 90 million pounds applied annually in agriculture and up to 8 million
pounds in the non-agricultural sector – second only to 2,4-D,
the chemical found in most “weed and feed” products. Monsanto,
the corporate chemical giant that makes Roundup, also produces genetically
engineering plants and seeds to be resistant to the herbicide, which
studies show increases the use of the pesticide. Both 2,4-D and glyphosate
enter waterways, including small wetland areas where tadpoles develop,
due to toxic runoff from agriculture and urban and suburban lawns.
The recent study adds heavily to the weight of evidence that the inert
ingredients used in the retail herbicide, not disclosed on the label
due to a “trade secret” loophole, make it significantly
more toxic than just its active ingredient glyphosate alone. The Environmental
Protection Agency only evaluates health and environment data submitted
by the manufacturer on active ingredients and not on actual pesticide
formulations sold on the shelves. Several other studies published in
peer-reviewed journals over the years have underscored the lethal affects
of Roundup to humans and wildlife.
Study Shows Glyphosate and Roundup Pesticide Toxic To Fetus
Study Reveals Common Pesticides Damage Aquatic Communities
Monsanto Wins Plant Patent Rights, Loses Battle With Farmer
Glyphosate Contamination Detected in Humans
Study Shows Glyphosate (RoundUp) May Encourage Toxic Fungi Growth
Colombia Argonomist Reports Effects of Roundup® Exposure
TAKE ACTION: Encourage schools, neighbors, park managers and others to stop using Roundup herbicides and adopt sustainable land care practices that will not adversely effect humans and wildlife. Join the National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns or visit the Beyond Pesticides issue webpages.