Activist Moms Confront EPA About Roundup HerbicideLily Dane It is widely known that glyphosate is profoundly damaging to human health. Two major peer-reviewed studies showed links to breast cancer cell proliferation and intestinal and gut damage, which can lead to diseases such asdiabetes,gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, obesity, autism, Parkinsons and Alzheimers. Research conducted in 2010 suggests that glyphosate may be linked to birth defects. Regulators and of course, Monsanto claim glyphosate is excreted from the body. But studies disproved that: the chemical has been detected in urine samples, blood samples, and even breast milk. Today, regulators from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met with a group of mothers, scientists, environmentalists and others who say they are worried about Roundup residues found in breast milk. That meeting is a result of the persistence of a group called Moms Across America, a national coalition of mothers whose mission is to increase awareness of GMOs. They are demanding a recall of Roundup. Despite the evidence that the ingredient is harmful to health, the government not only hasnt banned its use it has actually permitted an increase in the allowed glyphosate levels in consumable goods and declared the new threshold minimally toxic. And the chemical doesnt only harm people environmentalists, consumer groups and plant scientists from several countries have said in recent years that heavy use of glyphosate is causing problems for plants and animals as well. In 2011, U.S. government scientists said they detected significant levels of glyphosate in air and water samples. Yet, widespread use of the product is still allowed. Considering the revolving door for employees of the government and Monsanto, should we really expect the EPA to do anything about protecting us from this toxin? The EPA has a long history of colluding with and protecting industry. In fact, a recently-released book written by a former EPA employee exposes the agencys corruption and disregard for the safety of the American public. The book, called Poison Spring: The Secret History of Pollution and the EPA, details the case of whistleblower Cate Jenkins, an EPA scientist who brought attention to what she considered to be Monsantos fraudulent claim that exposure to dioxin did not cause cancer in workers. Author E. G. Vallianatos worked for the EPA for 25 years, and sawfirsthand not only the science that found toxicity in the pesticides Big Agriculture has been applying to crops, but how those discoveries played out within a highly politicized EPA over five presidential administrations. I wish that group of mothers luck, and admire them for their tenacity and dedication, but I dont expect the FDA one of the most corrupt and overreaching government agencies in existence today to care what citizens want or think. However, raising awareness and making our voices heard are steps in the right direction, and are certainly far better than being complacent and apathetic victims of big industry and increasing government corruption. Related selfnews Post Article: Lily Dane is a staff writer for The Daily Sheeple, where this first appeared. Her goal is to help people to Wake the Flock Up! 