A new study reveals that maternal exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is associated with lower birth weights and shorter pregnancies in rural U.S. communities, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups.
Pamela Ferdinand reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- University of Oregon researchers found glyphosate reduced average birth weight by 29.8 grams and shortened pregnancies by 1.49 days.
- Infants from historically disadvantaged populations and areas with high glyphosate use faced the most severe health impacts, including up to a 9% loss of expected birth weight.
- The study calls into question regulatory claims that glyphosate use is safe for public health.
Key quote:
" ... these results indicate that even at the mean level of intensity in the United States, glyphosate exposure significantly deteriorates infant health.”
— Emmett Reynier and Edward Rubin, study co-authors
Why this matters:
Low birth weight and preterm birth increase risks of infant mortality and lifelong health challenges, including developmental disabilities and chronic diseases. With glyphosate use soaring since genetically modified crop adoption, the findings highlight concerns over regulatory oversight and environmental justice for rural and marginalized populations.
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