Legally Reviewed
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by Tort Defenders’ writers and staff and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney.
Roundup is most commonly used as a means of weed control and is used for both commercial agriculture and private landscaping. While its weed-killing properties are extremely effective, concerns about the chemicals in the weed killer have grown over the years. Roundup can not only harm other plants if not used properly, but also has the potential to do damage to animals, people, and the greater environment. As such, many may wonder why this chemical with so much potential for danger is still being sold at all.
Where Is Roundup Banned?
Some places have banned or restricted access to Roundup. These include:
- Belgium: Glyphosate is banned for household use in Belgium.
- Germany: The use of glyphosate is restricted in Germany.
- France: Glyphosate is banned for household use in France.
- Netherlands: Glyphosate is banned for household use in the Netherlands.
- Mexico: In 2020, it was decreed that Mexico would eliminate all use of glyphosate by January 2024. However, this timeline has since been pushed back indefinitely.
- Vietnam: The use of glyphosate is fully banned.
- California: Several cities and counties have banned the use of the chemical.
Colombia and El Salvador passed legislation to ban glyphosate, but the legislation was then overturned.
Relevant U.S. Legislation and Regulations
While there is no full ban on the use of glyphosate products in the United States, some areas — such as certain localities in California and Alaska — ban or limit its use. The latter places limitations on the use of pesticides in general. Further, the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring chemical residue on food products doesn’t exceed limits established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Proposed Legislation
Despite concerns that glyphosate may be carcinogenic — among other concerns — the EU approved its continued use for 10 years in December 2023. Meanwhile, individual countries like Austria and Luxembourg have previously proposed legislation to ban glyphosate but were unsuccessful. Similarly, Sri Lanka ruled in favor of a ban in 2015 but reversed the decision in 2021.
Roundup Ingredients
The active ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate, and this controversial chemical is not exclusively used in Roundup. However, Monsanto’s Roundup is the most well-known herbicide brand that uses the chemical. The major ingredients in Roundup include:
- Isopropylamine salt of glyphosate: The active ingredient;
- Polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA): A surfactant;
- Pelargonic acid: A naturally occurring fatty acid.
Roundup also contains water.
Have the Ingredients in Roundup Changed?
While Bayer (which acquired Monsanto in June 2018) has begun developing new formulations of Roundup free of glyphosate for household use, the original formula is still widely available. In fact, it’s still commonly used for commercial agricultural purposes across the United States and around the world.
Does Roundup Still Contain Glyphosate?
As mentioned, glyphosate is the controversial active ingredient in Roundup that is feared to cause adverse health effects. While studies have come to conflicting conclusions on this point, many feel it’s better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to the use of this chemical. As such, if you have used or come into contact with Roundup and suspect that it may have caused adverse health effects, contact your health provider immediately. If you’ve ingested it, contact Poison Control immediately.
Reportedly, symptoms of dangerous exposure to Roundup can include:
- Gastrointestinal issues;
- Skin irritation;
- Burns;
- Irritation of the nose and throat;
- Dizziness;
- Drowsiness;
- Headache;
- Neurological issues;
- Low blood pressure;
- Weakness;
- Breathing difficulty;
- Kidney issues;
- Loss of consciousness.
If you feel you may have experienced long term health issues as a result of exposure to Roundup, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney.
Does Roundup Still Cause Cancer?
There have been conflicting reports on whether Roundup causes cancer, with various studies from reputable agencies coming to differing conclusions. For example, the EPA currently classifies the possibility of carcinogenic properties to humans and animals from glyphosate to be “unlikely,” while the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has stated that it’s “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Meanwhile, the WHO continues to go back and forth on the issue. As such, it’s clear that more studies need to be done on whether glyphosate causes cancer, and, if so, what types of cancer.
Alternatives
There are many potential alternatives to Roundup often considered safer for use as an herbicide. These include:
- Acid-based herbicides such as apple cider vinegar and white vinegar, as well as various acid-based products marketed specifically as herbicides.
- Corn gluten products such as Epsoma Organic Weed Preventer and Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed.
- Iron-based herbicides like EcoSense Selected Lawn Weed Killer and Whitney Farms Lawn Weed Killer.
- Products using essential oils like Bioganic Broadleaf Killer and EcoSmart Weed & Grass Killer.
Various other strategies such as mulching and manual removal can also be successfully used to control weeds.