Roundup pesticide (glyphosate sold by Bayer) is dangerous poison to people, plants, soil and animals. This post covers both the dangers and the steps needed to remediate. What are all the ways it poisons human bodies – adults and children? How can glyphosate be removed from a residential yard? Does it depend on how much was applied? How long should a homeowner wait to grow food in a yard sprayed with glyphosate?.
Glyphosate Poisons Human Bodies
Functional medicine practitioners, including Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Zach Bush, have highlighted several ways glyphosate can be harmful to humans:
1. Gut Health Disruption: Glyphosate acts as an antibiotic, killing beneficial gut bacteria and leading to dysbiosis. This imbalance can contribute to a host of gastrointestinal issues, including leaky gut syndrome.
2. Nutrient Deficiency: Glyphosate chelates essential minerals, making them unavailable to the body. This can result in deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium, iron, and manganese, which are crucial for various bodily functions.
3. Endocrine Disruption: Glyphosate has been shown to interfere with the endocrine system, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and related health issues such as thyroid disorders and reproductive problems.
4. Toxicity to Organs: Studies suggest that glyphosate can be toxic to the liver and kidneys, potentially leading to organ damage over time.
5. Neurological Effects: There is evidence linking glyphosate exposure to neurological issues, including an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
6. Carcinogenic Potential: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans," indicating a potential risk of cancer, particularly Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
7. Immune System Suppression: Glyphosate may weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Removal of Glyphosate from a Residential Yard
Removing glyphosate from a residential yard involves several steps:
1. Cease Use of Glyphosate: Immediately stop using glyphosate-based products.
2. Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests to determine the level of glyphosate contamination.
3. Soil Amendments: Introduce organic matter and soil amendments to promote microbial activity that can help break down glyphosate. Compost and humic acids are particularly effective.
4. Phytoremediation: Planting certain species of plants known to absorb and break down glyphosate can be beneficial. Examples include clover, alfalfa, and other legumes.
5. Bioaugmentation: Applying microbial inoculants can enhance the breakdown of glyphosate in the soil.
Application Amount
The extent of contamination and the remediation process depends on the amount and frequency of glyphosate application. Heavier and more frequent applications will result in higher contamination levels, requiring more intensive remediation efforts.
Waiting Period Before Growing Food
The waiting period before growing food in a yard that has been sprayed with glyphosate can vary:
• Minimal Contamination: For yards with minimal glyphosate use, a waiting period of at least six months to one year is generally recommended.
• Moderate to Heavy Contamination: For more heavily contaminated soils, waiting periods can extend up to two years or more, depending on the effectiveness of the remediation efforts.
Opinions of Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Zach Bush
Dr. Mark Hyman emphasizes the importance of avoiding glyphosate due to its numerous health risks, particularly its impact on gut health and its potential to contribute to chronic diseases through nutrient deficiencies and inflammation.
Dr. Zach Bush highlights the broader ecological impact of glyphosate, stressing its role in soil degradation and its far-reaching effects on the environment. He advocates for regenerative agricultural practices to restore soil health and reduce dependence on harmful chemicals like glyphosate.
Glyphosate Removal Experts?
Yes, there are professionals and organizations that specialize in glyphosate removal and soil remediation. These experts can help assess contamination levels and implement strategies to detoxify the soil. Here are a few avenues to explore:
1. Environmental Consultants: These professionals specialize in assessing and mitigating soil contamination. They can provide tailored solutions for glyphosate removal based on specific site conditions.
2. Soil Remediation Companies: There are companies that focus specifically on soil health and remediation. They use various techniques, including phytoremediation, bioaugmentation, and soil amendments to remove contaminants like glyphosate.
3. Organic Land Care Professionals: These specialists focus on organic and sustainable practices for lawn and garden care. They often have experience in transitioning chemically treated lawns to organic systems.
4. Agricultural Extension Services: Many universities and local agricultural extension services offer resources and expertise in soil health and contamination issues. They can provide guidance and sometimes testing services.
5. Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations dedicated to sustainable agriculture and environmental health often have resources and networks of professionals experienced in soil remediation.
6. Functional Medicine Practitioners: While not soil experts, functional medicine doctors like Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Zach Bush often have networks and resources for addressing environmental toxins. They may be able to refer you to specialists in glyphosate removal.
Steps to Find Glyphosate Removal Experts
1. Online Search: Use search terms like "glyphosate soil remediation experts," "environmental consultants for soil contamination," or "organic land care professionals."
2. Professional Associations: Organizations like the International Society of Environmental Forensics (ISEF) or the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) can be valuable resources.
3. Local University Extensions: Contact your local agricultural university extension service for recommendations.
4. Referrals: Ask for referrals from organic gardening communities, functional medicine practitioners, or local environmental groups.
Recommended Actions
• Consultation: Schedule consultations with a few experts to discuss your specific situation and get a range of opinions and solutions.
• Soil Testing: Conduct comprehensive soil tests to understand the extent of contamination and to inform the remediation strategy.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Implement an ongoing monitoring plan to assess the effectiveness of the remediation efforts and make adjustments as needed.
By engaging with experts, you can develop a thorough and effective plan to remove glyphosate from your yard and restore soil health.
“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts
See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.
Deep Roots online store
See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.
Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.
(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org
Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.
Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.
