Glyphosate, endocrine disruption and cancers. New scientific evidence confirms the role of the world’s most widely used herbicide in disrupting the endocrine and reproductive systems, in addition to its carcinogenic action.
Risk exposure
Risk exposure is not only occupational, but also dietary and atmospheric, as noted. In fact, pesticides and their metabolites are also spread through wind, water and dust. Until they are detected in homes and other enclosed spaces, thus increasing exposure levels to considerable levels. (1)
The so-called ‘drift effect’ is completely out of control in areas subject to intensive agrotoxin spraying. Not only in countries exposed to GMO crops-where glyphosate consumption exceeds twice the amounts assessed as ‘safe’ (e.g., U.S., Argentina)-but also in Italy (e.g., Veneto). It is therefore imperative to monitor the levels of glyphosate and its metabolite in the population, as well as in the environment and water. (2)
Glyphosate, endocrine disruption and cancers. New evidence
A scientific review (scientific review) published on 19.10.20 demonstrates for the first time the mechanisms underlying the correlations between glyphosate, endocrine disruption and cancers. (3) This better explains and reinforces the classification of the herbicide as a potential carcinogen (Group 2A) by the U.N.International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2015. (4)
Endocrine disruptors have gathered scientific consensus, in 2020, regarding their 10 ‘key characteristics‘. (5) And glyphosate showed as many as 8 of the above characteristics, in vivo and in vitro:
1) It can promote hormone receptor activity,
2) interferes with the activity of estrogen receptors α and β
3) Induces deregulation of eleven common pathways,
4) Induces epigenetic modifications,
5) Has adverse effects on the production of steroid hormones (estrogen and testosterone),
6) Alters thyroid hormone transport across cell membranes,
7) It changes the concentration of hormones,
8) Alters the proliferation of cancer cell lines.
Biomonitoring of populations
Biomonitoring-i.e., in this case, the analysis of values of glyphosate and its metabolite (aminomethylphosphoric acid, AMPA) in urine-is essential to actually verify the exposure levels of populations. In fact, several studies report the possible exceeding of theAcceptable Daily Intake (ADI) threshold set by EFSA at 0.5 mg/kg body weight. (6)
The Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) research project-under the Horizon 2020 program-aspires to harmonize and promote a shared biomonitoring strategy. Sampling criteria on the various population groups (in relation to age, previous diseases, work) and interpretation of values. It is conducted in 30 states, in conjunction with the European Commission and the European Environment Agency, over the period 2017-2021 (7,8,9).
Bipolar Europe
Europe confirms its bipolarity. Risk analysis is carried forward, with the above project, and the continuation of glyphosate, endocrine disruption and cancer is tolerated. Without addressing the scientific fraud on which the authorization of the use of this agrotoxin in the EU is based.
Bipolar is the Commission, which promises ecological transition in the Farm to Fork strategy and reneges on it in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Bipolar are the member states, primarilyItaly. After voting for a ‘smoke gray’ CAP, the government led by Giuseppe Conte now promotes the ratification of the toxic treaty between EU and Mercosur countries, thus exposing us to unfair competition frompoisoned agriculture.
Uncertain future, revolution from below
The lobby of the
Big 4
, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with its application to renew the authorization of glyphosate in the EU. Brussels’ decision is expected by December 2022 (10,11).
Revolution can only come from below. And it is an organic revolution, as science has shown how a diet based exclusively on organic products can eliminate glyphosate and its metabolite from the body. Consume and waste mere, favor organic from nearby supply chains.
Dario Dongo and Andrea Adelmo Della Penna
Notes
(1) Silva et al. (2018). Distribution of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in agricultural topsoils of the European Union. Sci. Total Environ. 621:1352-1359, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.093
(2) Gillezeau et al. (2019). The evidence of human exposure to glyphosate: a review. Environmental Health 18:2, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-018-0435-5
(3) Muñoz et al. (2020). Glyphosate and the key characteristics of an endocrine disruptor: A review. Chemosphere 128619, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128619
(4) Charles M Benbrook (2019). How did the US EPA and IARC reach diametrically opposed conclusions on the genotoxicity of glyphosate-based herbicides? Environ Sci Eur 31, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-018-0184-7
(5) La Merrill et al. (2020). Consensus on the key characteristics of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as a basis for hazard identification. Nature Reviews Endocrinology 16:45-57, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-019-0273-8
(6) Connolly et al. (2020). Human biomonitoring of glyphosate exposures: state-of-the-art and future research challenges. Toxics 8:60, doi:10.3390/toxics8030060
(7) HBM4EU (2020). Pesticides. https://www.hbm4eu.eu/the-substances/pesticides/
(8) HBM4EU (2020). The Project. https://www.hbm4eu.eu/the-project/
(9) Hays et al. (2007). Biomonitoring equivalents: A screening approach for interpreting biomonitoring results from a public health risk perspective. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 47:96-109, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2006.08.004
(10) Monica Di Sisto. Mercosur: government writes to NGOs that it’s all still to be decided, but then presses for EU approval. The Daily Fact. 18.11.20, https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2020/11/18/mercosur-il-governo-scrive-alle-ong-che-e-ancora-tutto-da-decidere-ma-poi-preme-perche-lue-approvi/6007696/
(11) EFSA(European Food Safety Authority). Glyphosate. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/glyphosate
(12) Alberto Mantovani. Toxic cocktails? Risk assessment of multiple exposures to endocrine disruptors. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 9/28/20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/sicurezza/cocktail-tossici-valutazione-del-rischio-delle-esposizioni-multiple-a-interferenti-endocrini
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in Food Technologies and Biotechnologies, qualified food technologist, he follows the research and development area. With particular regard to European research projects (in Horizon 2020, PRIMA) where the FARE division of WIISE Srl, a benefit company, participates.
