California has taken another step toward improving the safety and environmental health of its citizens with its recent decision to label an ingredient in a popular herbicide as carcinogenic. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup and other similar herbicides, has been found to contain known cancer causing ingredients according to the California Environmental Protection Agency. Research conducted by the World Health Organization has discovered that glyphosate is likely carcinogenic to humans and responsible for the sharp decline in the population of monarch butterflies.
According to environmental groups, glyphosate is so widespread that it is virtually impossible for individuals to avoid exposure to it. Experts estimate that over 250 million pounds of glyphosate are used annually in the United States. Moreover, global usage of the chemical has skyrocketed due to the abundance of genetically engineered crops.
The announcement to list the pesticide as a carcinogenic product was issued as a “notice of intent.” This administrative action was designed to give the public an opportunity to comment on the decision by October 5, 2015 in accordance with Proposition 65. Proposition 65, approved by California voters in 1986, obligates the state to publish a list of chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive issues. Businesses are required to issue “clear and reasonable” warnings before allowing exposure to any chemical on the list. The warnings mandated under the law could appear in a variety of contexts, including a label on a product, notices in a building or a published announcement in a newspaper.
The state is responsible for regularly revising the list in accordance with new developments and research findings, but the listing alone does not result in a ban on the sale of the product. However, classifying the chemical as carcinogenic has been praised as a positive step toward a future ban on glyphosate and could set the stage for effective federal regulations addressing the use of the substance.
Contact Shane Coons at 949-333-0900 or visit his website at www.ShaneCoonsLaw.com.