Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects a person’s lymphatic system. Some research suggests that exposure to glyphosate may increase a person’s risk of developing this type of cancer.
Glyphosate is a type of herbicide, which is a substance that a person can use to kill certain plants, such as weeds. It is present in some brands of weed killer, such as Roundup.
There is limited research into the link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
This article discusses glyphosate in more detail, the link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the impact of glyphosate on the environment.
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Glyphosate is an herbicide. It is an ingredient in a range of commercial weed killers. A review from 2021 notes that glyphosate-based weed killers are the herbicides people use most heavily across the globe.
Weeds take away resources, such as water and nutrients, from other plants, such as crops and flowers. Without these resources, plants may die or have stunted growth.
A person may decide to use herbicides, such as glyphosate, to kill weeds. This may help other plants grow successfully.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that glyphosate is important for the production of:
- nuts
- vegetables
- fruits
- glyphosate-resistant crops, including soybeans and corn
Glyphosate works by blocking the production of an enzyme that the weed needs to be able to grow. A plant that someone treats with glyphosate will generally die
The substance is present in various brands of weed killer, such as:
- Roundup
- Glifonox
- Rodeo
- Weedoff
- Bronco
There is controversy surrounding the link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
A meta-analysis from 2019 looked into the association between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The authors reported that high levels of exposure to glyphosate may increase a person’s risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by
However, the authors also noted that people should interpret these results with caution due to differences between the studies they included in the meta-analysis.
A review from 2021 also found a link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The author also noted that further research into the topic is necessary.
Conversely, a review by the EPA found that glyphosate poses no risk to people when individuals use the herbicide according to the label. The review also suggested that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer in humans.
Further research is necessary to definitively determine the effects of glyphosate on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma risk.
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may vary depending on where it has developed in a person’s body. The
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society states that the most common early sign of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes. Commonly affected areas include the:
- groin
- neck
- armpit
Other common symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
- fatigue
- chills
- abdominal pain
- cough
- shortness of breath
- weight loss
- abdominal bloating
- feeling full quickly
- chest pain or pressure
- frequent or severe infections
- bruising or bleeding easily
- itchy skin
- unexplained fever
- drenching night sweats
- loss of appetite
- enlargement of the liver or spleen
- skin rashes or lumps
- unintentional weight loss of
at least 10% of body weight over 6 months
A person should speak with their doctor if they notice any symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, regardless of whether they have experienced exposure to glyphosate.
Research from 2019 notes that scientists considered glyphosate to be
However, the EPA states that glyphosate may pose ecological risks to aquatic and terrestrial plants, birds, mammals, and honeybees.
Additionally, a study from 2021 found that certain outbreaks of animal and plant diseases were associated with a buildup of glyphosate in the environment.
If a person is concerned about using weed killers containing glyphosate, they may prefer one of the following alternatives:
- applying a homemade, organic weed killer, such as boiling water, lemon juice, or salt water
- covering the soil in a layer of mulch to reduce weed growth
- using glyphosate-free weed killers, which a person may be able to purchase at a garden center
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Glyphosate is an herbicide that is present in many weed killers, such as Roundup. While some evidence suggests that glyphosate may increase a person’s risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, further studies are necessary to confirm this.
A person should speak with their doctor if they notice any symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If a person is concerned about using glyphosate for health or environmental reasons, they may choose an alternative weed killer.