Fact Check: "Glyphosate classified as probably carcinogenic since 2015"
What We Know
In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A) based on a review of the available scientific literature. This classification was based on "limited evidence" of carcinogenicity in humans and "sufficient evidence" of carcinogenicity in experimental animals (IARC Monograph on Glyphosate). The decision marked a significant shift in the scientific community's understanding of glyphosate, which had been widely used in agriculture since its introduction in the 1970s (Davoren & Schiestl, 2018).
The IARC's findings were supported by various studies indicating potential mechanisms of carcinogenicity, including genotoxicity and oxidative stress (Williams et al., 2016). However, the classification has been met with controversy, as other regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have maintained that glyphosate is not likely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans (EPA).
Analysis
The IARC's classification of glyphosate as a probable carcinogen is based on a comprehensive review of existing studies, including epidemiological data and animal studies. The IARC concluded that there was strong evidence of genotoxicity, which refers to the ability of a substance to damage genetic information in a cell, leading to mutations and cancer (IARC Monograph on Glyphosate). This classification has been supported by various scientific reviews that highlight potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure, particularly in agricultural settings (Davoren & Schiestl, 2018).
However, the reliability of the evidence has been challenged by other scientific panels and regulatory agencies. For instance, a review conducted by a panel of experts found that many of the studies cited by the IARC lacked statistical strength and consistency, leading them to conclude that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk (Williams et al., 2016). This divergence in conclusions highlights the ongoing debate within the scientific community regarding glyphosate's safety.
The IARC's assessment has also faced scrutiny regarding potential biases, particularly due to the involvement of former industry employees in the review process and the proprietary nature of some data used in initial safety assessments (Davoren & Schiestl, 2018). Critics argue that this may have influenced the interpretation of the data and the subsequent classification.
Conclusion
The claim that glyphosate has been classified as probably carcinogenic since 2015 is True. The IARC's classification as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) is based on a thorough review of scientific evidence, despite ongoing debates and differing conclusions from other regulatory bodies. The classification reflects a significant shift in the understanding of glyphosate's potential health risks, underscoring the complexities of assessing carcinogenicity in widely used agricultural chemicals.
Sources
- Glyphosate-based herbicides and cancer risk: a post-IARC ...
- A review of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate by four ...
- Glyphosate | US EPA
- IARC Monograph on Glyphosate
- Glyphosate Monograph now available
- In glyphosate review, WHO cancer agency edited out “non- ...
- Widely used herbicide linked to cancer
- IARC Monograph on Glyphosate Other Related Information
