New study shows glyphosate can be carcinogenic at low levels relevant to everyone

A newly published study adds to the ever-growing pile of evidence in support of the cancer-causing potential of the weedkiller active ingredient glyphosate. Glyphosate herbicides like Roundup are used on over 85% of genetically modified crops.

The new study shows that a very low concentration of glyphosate (in the parts per trillion range and thus environmentally relevant for everyone) can trigger breast cancer when combined with another risk factor. 

In the study, scientists exposed noncancerous human breast cells to glyphosate in vitro over a course of 21 days. The cells were then placed in mice to assess tumour formation. Although cells exposed to glyphosate alone did not induce tumour growth, cancerous tumours did develop after glyphosate was combined with a type of gene regulatory molecule that is present in all humans.