By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong council is still using a weedkiller that the World Health Organisation (WHO) says probably causes cancer.
The weedkiller, glyphosate – originally trade marked as Roundup – is commonly used by households, farms and local councils.
But WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has upgraded its evaluation of the herbicide from “possibly” to “probably carcinogenic to humans”.
Australian authorities were now re-assessing the risks glyphosate-based products presents to humans.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) said it took the new assessment seriously.
In a statement, APVMA said it would examine the assessment in collaboration with the Office of Chemical Safety in the Department of Health.
That investigation would determine whether any regulatory action was necessary, including whether glyphosate should be formally reviewed.
“All glyphosate products registered for use in Australia have been through a robust chemical risk assessment process,” the statement said.
“As Australia’s agvet (agricultural and veterinary) chemical regulator, it is the role of the APVMA to consider all relevant scientific material when determining the likely impacts on human health and worker safety – including long and short term exposure to users and residues in food before registering a product.
“We consider the full range of risks, which include studies of cancer risks, and how human exposure can be minimised through instructions for use and safety directions.”
Countries including the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, and El Salvador have started banning glyphosate.
City services general manager William Tieppo said the council currently used Roundup to remove weeds from parks, open spaces and other community assets within the municipality.
“Ensuring the health and safety of the community and our employees is a priority and we follow the appropriate safety steps in using the product,” he said.
“At this stage there has been no further information from the regulator, WorkSafe, that the product is not to be used.
“It is still available for purchase over the counter in all garden supply department stores for trade and general public.”
