Novel changes; powerful impact: a weed killer and health

The systemic herbicide, glyphosate, as a powerful tool for weed control, has become the most extensively used agricultural chemical in history. Although simple in structure, it’s novel characteristics as a water soluble, broad-spectrum mineral chelator, powerful antibiotic and synthetic amino acid; coupled with its indiscriminate use, have resulted in profound impacts on the health of soils, crops, animals, and humans. Bioaccumulation in soil, water, and plant and animal tissues have made it an almost ubiquitous component of the environment. It has generally been promoted as environmentally safe but recent classification by the World Health Organization as a probable human carcinogen has encouraged a more in-depth evaluation of its impact. Dr. Huber will discuss interactions of glyphosate with nutrition and the health of crops, animals, and the environment.