
This question was prompted by Grist, who asked us: "Hey Risk Bites guy, the WHO just said that the herbicide in Roundup probably causes cancer -- what's the deal with that? It seems like every month we find out that something else is probably giving us cancer. Should we be worried?"
Backing track: Blue and Green by Rimsky.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Grist:
So Roundup "probably" causes cancer. This means what, exactly?
New York Times: Weed Killer, Long Cleared, Is Doubted.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monologue on organophosphate insecticides and herbicides:
Agents classified by IARC:
More information on IARC monographs:
Risk Bites is your guide to making sense of risk. We cover everything from understanding and balancing the risks and benefits of everyday products, to health science more broadly, to the potential impacts of emerging technologies, to making sense of risk perception. If you enjoy our videos, please subscribe, and spread the word!