Natural Home:Dangers of Herbicides

I came across this article in Mother Earth News (Mark now has a subscription and I find that hysterical) about the dangers of Round-up or herbicide use,especially in the U.S. We have all heard of the environmental problems herbicides cause,and many people I know choose not to use it around their homes,children,animals,etc. But I had never read anything so articulate on the dangers to humans as it is used in commercial agriculture.  I would recommend you read the whole article yourself (CLICK HERE),but here is a brief summary:

• The low levels (currently legal in foods) of glyphosate-based herbicides (used in round-up) can cause cell damage and cell death,including human reproductive cells.
• The solvents and surfactants that are added to the glyphosate are considered “inert”and therefore do not require stringent EPA testing or regulation,but act as an excelerant and allow for increased penetration through skin. It increases the toxicity of the glyphosate and it’s ability to kill cells.
• There has been an increase in use of glyphosate,especially in corn and soy crops,as resistant weeds have begun to pop up. “In response to petitions from Monsanto,the EPA has approved up to 20-foldincreases in the legal residue limits for food crops.”Therefore we are being exposed to higher and higher levels of residue.

Basically,after I finished this article,it solidified my reasoning against herbicides and buying organic. Because corn and soy are relatively cheap I have been lucky in only buying them organic,but this was not so much a conscience effort as it is for me now. Many people know I am not a huge soy fan,but we do eat lots of corn products because they are gluten free. I am very relieved that I am able to buy these products organic and would urge you to put organic corn and soy on your priority list also.

I hope you will read the whole article,as this little post does not do it justice. Also,check out Mother Earth News,it has many practical gardening and DIY articles. We love it.