Question

Why is the use of the herbicide Roundup® relatively safe for humans to use in the garden? Is it possible it may not be safe? Why?

Answer 1

Answer: The use of herbicide Roundup is relatively safer because its active ingredient shows its effect at broader level. However, there are some other herbicides which shows its immediate effect on the health of the person spraying it in the field. The immediate health hazard includes itching, irritation in eyes, coughing, nausea, headache, skin reddening, burning sensation of skin, etc.

Roundup herbicide contains an active ingredient Glyphosate. Laboratory studies shows that glyphosate works by inhibiting the activity of the protein responsible for plant growth and development. Its activity being restriction to plant kingdom only, so it is known to show no potent health hazard in animals. Long-term hazards on the prolonged exposure to this herbicide may cause respiratory distress, impairment in renal function, mutations due to its carcinogenic properties, arrhythmia, etc.