Target: Michael S. Regan, Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency
Goal: Stop carcinogenic glyphosate from entering the food chain.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute concluded that higher levels of glyphosate in the blood significantly increase cancer risks. The study was conducted by a joint team of top-level scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It noted that glyphosate contamination aggravates oxidative stress in the body, leading to hematologic cancers such as leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma. The controversial chemical is the key component of the well-known herbicide Roundup. However, its use continues to be widespread, especially because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopts a mixed stance on labeling it as harmful.
The Roundup weedkiller manufactured by Monsanto has been in heavy use for more than 40 years. Bayer AG, the parent company of Monsanto, has maintained that the herbicide exposure is safe for human health. The company issued a statement in response to the new NIH study stating that the conclusions are in conflict with other government research. Meanwhile, the company has so far agreed to pay out more than USD 11 billion to thousands of cancer patients in court settlements, but without admitting liability. The new study comes in at a critical time when both the EPA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are in the process to reassess glyphosate safety in the food chain. Bayer AG has also been subjected to a plunge in investor confidence, losing 40% of its market value in the last 4 years.
The EPA has so far maintained an uncertain position on glyphosate safety assessment. The agency previously stated that the chemical was safe, until a 2022 court decision sided with the Center for Food Safety (CFS) to rule that it is unsafe. The EPA, therefore, notified that it is in the process of re-evaluating glyphosate safety and expects to issue an update in 2026.
Demand the EPA take glyphosate concerns seriously and impose tougher restrictions on the use of this potentially carcinogenic chemical. It is historically the most widely used pesticide in agriculture and poses a major public health concern.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Administrator Regan,
A recent top-level study conducted by the NIH and the CDC concludes that glyphosate use is linked to an increased risk of hematologic cancers. The controversial chemical has been widely used in America’s farmlands, which is a major cause for concern. The EPA has so far maintained an uncertain position on glyphosate safety assessment. Such an official position has offered a leeway for manufacturers of the well-known herbicide Roundup, who maintain that the new report does not corroborate with other government reports.
The use of this potentially carcinogenic chemical has also led to more than USD 10 billion in court settlements to cancer patients, which the manufacturers paid out without admitting liability. The EPA must act fast and reassess its official position on glyphosate safety. We urge you, Administrator Regan to take up this public health crisis seriously and impose tougher restrictions on glyphosate usage.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Adele Payman
Corporations and industry are killing this planet, all animals, wildlife, insects, fish, and humans.The list is long. What is it that makes the powerful want to hoard money, taking it from others and knowingly disguise the taking by lies. Blatant lies! Are they so ignorant that they feel they will live to spend their precious money? When the earth dies … we all die, even them! I guess they feel they can get out of the death trap. Hey who knows maybe, like most jerks, they feel they can walk on water! Inflated egos with wealth feel they alone control the world and will live to enjoy all their greed has brought them.
What if they don’t? Ouch!!!!!
Productivity before safety. That’s how the world has been running.