Central West Virginia's Guide To Life

TOTAL HEALTH CARE
By Dr. Rick Magly

October 2008 - The Dangers of Herbicides

It seems that Department of Highways (DOH) has a plan to help offset the high price of fuel -- increase the spraying of herbicides to reduce mowing. So what herbicides are being used to turn road banks into bare dirt? After hearing several horror stories from patients about fruit trees and gardens being laid low, I thought I'd better find out.

According to Rodney Neil, in charge at the Amma DOH and responsible for several Central WV counties, Round-Up is sprayed for grass and Garlon is sprayed for woody stemmed plants. Internet research revealed the following: Garlon, although irritating to eyes, skin, liver, and kidney if handled improperly, is relatively harmless. The diluted solution that is sprayed is unlikely to have any reaction in animals and humans.

Round-Up is another matter. Advertised by Monsanto Corporation as safe and environmentally friendly, it has become the most widely used herbicide today. Although initial research studies on Round-Ups' safety were exposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as fraudulent (an all too common practice when big money is at stake,) public perception of the chemical as "safe as table salt" has reduced research funding normally set aside for such pesticides.

Monsanto was sued by New York state for claiming Round- Up is "safe" and "environmentally friendly." The suit ended in a settlement with Monsanto paying a quarter million dollars and agreeing to cease and desist from using the terms " safe" and "environmentally friendly" in advertising.

According to the EPA, there have been reports of central nervous system damage after exposure to Round-Up including: visual, hearing, taste, and smell disturbances; balance disorders; muscle twitches; seizures, paralysis, peripheral neuropathy; loss of motor skills and digestive problems. The active ingredients in Round-Up include Isopropylamine salt of glycophosate. Innert ingredients include Polyoxyethylene alkylamine.

A study done by David H. Monroe, an Industrial and Environmental Toxicologist, on glycophosate products produced by Monsanto revealed contamination with 1,4 diaxane at 350 parts per million. 1,4-doxane is carcinogenic (cancer causing), and known to damage the liver, kidneys, brain and lungs. A 1980 report by the EPA noted the following symptoms from glycophosate exposure: bronchial constriction, pleuritic chest pain, nasal congestion, blurred vision, corneal erosion, conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritability, excessive sweating, vertigo, malaise, swelling of extremities and nervous system disorders.

Inquires by Laura Gately MD from Clay County Health Department revealed that the official State policy on spraying states that Round-Up be used only as a last resort if Tordon and Garlon are unavailable. A property owner can also opt out of the spraying if NO SPRAY signs are posted.

I have personally witnessed spraying of Round-Up near creek beds in Clay County and in a federally protected wetland. The spray crew verified that Round-Up was being used. I have also witnessed a notable increase in balance problems, ringing ears and digestive disorders this summer in my office. Is it just a coincidence that these symptoms have been observed in cases of Round-Up exposure? Hard to say for sure. There are many causes for these aliments. One thing is for sure -- crews are not following the guidelines for herbicide use in this state.

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