Gloucester City Council faces pressure to phase out glyphosate, a weedkiller linked to cancer, as concerns grow over its safety and environmental impact.
Gloucester: There are growing calls for the city council to stop using a controversial weedkiller. This weedkiller, glyphosate, has been linked to cancer. It’s been around since the 1970s and is widely used.
Even though glyphosate is approved in Great Britain, the World Health Organization warned in 2015 that it likely causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This has raised serious concerns.
At a recent council meeting, worries about glyphosate’s use were discussed. The council’s contractor, Ubico, uses it in early spring and sometimes again in summer, depending on the weather.
Councillor Alastair Chambers brought up the issue during a budget meeting. He pointed out that many countries have restricted glyphosate. He asked why it’s still being used in Gloucester.
Chambers expressed concern for the safety of pets, children, and the environment. He noted that sprayers were seen working without masks, which raised alarms.
Environment cabinet member Sebastian Field said he wants to reduce glyphosate use. He mentioned that the council has already cut back by using machines to pull weeds instead.
Field aims to eliminate glyphosate completely. He acknowledged that he inherited a system that relied on it but is working to change that.
The current approval for glyphosate in Great Britain lasts until December 2025. The government plans to review its safety based on scientific evidence.
