Nothing beats a glass of ice-cold water quenching your thirst, especially in the summer heat. But often, you settle for knowing that it freshens up, and you think it is clean enough.
NSF International, an independent product testing and certification association, reports that more than half of Americans worry about the water quality in their homes.
As a result of reports in the news, numerous individuals know lead poisoning can significantly lessen the quality of municipal drinking water. Hard water, however non-toxic, can leave a residue on our skin and hair and an aftertaste on our tongues.
Also, iron can leave unattractive stains in restrooms and have a strong metallic odor.
Chemicals like pesticides can also contaminate water. An alternative study by Consumer Reports found that 85% of Americans are worried about pesticide contaminants in the environment and in drinking water.
In any case, less obvious contaminants can also influence our drinking water. One of these is the chemical known as glyphosate. You probably won't smell or taste glyphosate in your water; however, it will not wipe you out quickly and can still impact your health.
Before going deeper into these health impacts, what is glyphosate? Below, you will understand glyphosate and its uses. You will also determine how to remove this chemical from your drinking water and get a few thoughts on reducing exposure to this contaminant.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a herbicide. It originated from glycine, one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins. It is commonly used to control broadleaf weeds, grasses, and aquatic plants. However, it is not a nonselective herbicide, so it will kill most plants it contacts.
Numerous U.S. crops are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) engineered to be tolerant of glyphosate, allowing them to flourish when the herbicide is used.
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide on the planet, and it is far from just an active ingredient in the Monsanto weedkiller known as Roundup.
Its use around the world has expanded considerably since its creation in the 1970s.
More than 750 glyphosate products are presently available in the United States.
Normally, farmers apply glyphosate-containing herbicides to the leaves and stems of undesirable plants.
The leaves and stems absorb the herbicide, which is then transported to the plant's meristematic tissues, where growth occurs.
How Does Glyphosate Get Into Water?
Glyphosate can enter tap water through soil erosion and agricultural runoff. Some saturate the soil when glyphosate is applied to crops as a herbicide. Glyphosate will generally bind firmly to soil, so it is less likely to be washed out of control into water.
When rain or flooding happens, the water may carry soil — and its bound glyphosate — into waterways or rivers.
Glyphosate dissolves in water and can persist for up to 170 days in low-light conditions and more than 300 days in dim conditions, such as those found in groundwater.
So, when glyphosate enters the water supply, it stays there for a long time. This persistence makes it almost certain that people and animals will ingest it in their drinking water.
When households or municipalities use those water sources for drinking water, glyphosate is ingested by humans. This penetration is a specific issue for well water.
However, municipal water users may also face issues if the municipality doesn't properly filter its water.
What is the acceptable glyphosate level?
Water testing shows that, at any rate, 70% of American households' drinking water tests positive for glyphosate at levels above perceptible levels. The EPA MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) for glyphosate in the U.S. is 700 ug/L.
The EPA chose this limit based on the premise that glyphosate is not bioaccumulative. Glyphosate appears in the mother's milk at critical levels. Urine testing also shows glyphosate levels in U.S. residents over 10 times higher than in Europe, where it is used less.
Various states may likewise have other, stricter maximum levels of glyphosate. Minnesota, for example, suggests glyphosate levels of under 500 parts per billion. Check with your state to determine what local recommendations or guidelines are set up.
Protect Yourself From Glyphosate
Glyphosate in water poses a potential health risk, but there are some ways to protect yourself and your family.
Educate yourself: Ask which agricultural or forestry associations use glyphosate for weed control. If your area has many commercial agricultural plants, they will likely use glyphosate-containing herbicides on their crops.
Limit exposure: If you know where glyphosate is commonly used in your area, you can find ways to reduce your exposure.
For instance, purchasing produce and other foods from local organic farms can help ensure that your pantry is glyphosate-free.
Use water filters: Many water filters don't explicitly test for glyphosate. Researchers recommend filters that reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, atrazine, and other high-vapor-pressure chemicals. Glyphosate will likely be filtered similarly.
Reducing your exposure to glyphosate is likely the best way to protect yourself.
The EPA suggests granular activated carbon (GAC) for treating glyphosate.
Final Thoughts
While numerous things in life are outside our ability to control, we can choose what – regardless – we can do about them once we are educated about specific things.
You can take action to ensure your and your family's safety from glyphosate. Generally, consider the cumulative exposure from various sources and try to limit it.
An excellent water filter that removes glyphosate, various herbicides, pesticides, and other unwanted contaminants from tap water is generally a great option.
At every possible opportunity, eat organic. These food sources aren't showered with glyphosate. A good point is that glyphosate removes minerals from the soil, and organic soil is much higher in minerals. These advantages are both for you and the environment.
If eating organic isn't feasible, learn which leafy greens and other vegetables are most heavily sprayed and try to avoid them. The EWG provides an annually updated list of the most heavily sprayed ones.
Use organic, natural treatments on your property and garden, and appeal to your local council to find safer alternatives to glyphosate and other dangerous herbicides and pesticides.
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