The safety of dried Roundup is debatable, especially glyphosate-based Roundup products – the most heavily debated kind. Roundup says that treated areas are safe to walk on after it has dried.
At the very least, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says glyphosate poses no risk to human health (at least, enough to cause concern) when used properly. Part of proper use is avoiding areas treated with glyphosate until it has dried.
Roundup and other herbicides may be prohibited in your area. You can check if your city prohibits it in this article: “Cities Limiting Use of Lawn Fertilizers and Pesticides”.
Is Roundup toxic to humans?
When applied incorrectly, Roundup can be toxic to humans, mainly through Roundup poisoning. The symptoms of Roundup poisoning include:
- Skin irritation
- Lung irritation
- Throat and nose irritation
- Eye redness and irritation
- Blue fingernails and/or lips
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
Additionally, you might see these symptoms when you accidentally ingest Roundup:
- Drooling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Diarrhea
Roundup poisoning occurs shortly after exposure to glyphosate-based Roundup. Rinse any part of your body that has been in contact with Roundup. If you have ingested Roundup, call poison control immediately.
Even non-glyphosate Roundup can be toxic if it comes into contact with the human body. In fact, most herbicides are. Always apply herbicides while wearing safety gear, no matter if they’re made of glyphosate or not.
Does Roundup cause long-term health issues?
Whether Roundup causes long-term health issues is still hotly debated. Some studies claim the glyphosate in Roundup seems to increase the risk of certain cancers. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has deemed it a “possible carcinogen” based on its studies.
Additionally, others worry about the non-cancerous health issues that the glyphosate in Roundup might cause. These include:
- Diabetes
- Birth defects
- Heart disease
- Hormonal disruption
The EPA refutes these claims and maintains that its studies found that glyphosate is not a carcinogen, nor does it cause other health issues. The EPA also maintains that glyphosate is safe to use when used according to package instructions. These findings are backed by other regulatory boards throughout the globe, including those in the EU.
However, it’s quite difficult to study the effects of glyphosate on human health. It’s everywhere – in plants, the soil, food – so studies can’t get a control sample of people who have never been exposed to glyphosate. Additionally, people come into contact with many dangerous chemicals throughout their lives that may affect their health.
In theory, it should be harmless to humans and animals, as it attacks the shikimate pathway, a cell mechanism that we don’t have. However, bacteria do have this pathway. This poses a problem to us as our body has many beneficial bacteria that affect our digestive and immune systems.
Is dried Roundup dangerous to animals?
As long as it is completely dry, Roundup is largely non-toxic to animals.
Make no mistake: Roundup is dangerous when it’s wet. Don’t let your pets (or other animals) walk around or eat plants that have been freshly sprayed with Roundup, no matter if it’s glyphosate-based or not.
Be sure not to spray Roundup if there are insects around, especially pollinators like bees. A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that bees sprayed with Roundup (both glyphosate and non-glyphosate-based) were more likely to die. Other glyphosate herbicides were less likely to kill them.
The study concluded that it is the other ingredients (such as surfactants) in the Roundup and not the glyphosate that kills them.
How long to wait before walking on Roundup-treated areas
The wait time before Roundup-treated areas can be considered “safe” to walk on varies from product to product. However, we recommend waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before stepping foot in a Roundup-treated area.
Walking on your lawn before then can expose you to wet Roundup.
FAQ about the dangers of Roundup
How do I apply Roundup safely?
Applying Roundup safely means minimizing your exposure to wet Roundup while you are spraying it. Here are some tips for applying Roundup safely:
- Only apply Roundup on a windless, dry, and clear day for the safest and most effective application. Wind will cause it to drift on the wind, and rain can wash it away.
- Wear protective clothing:
- Close-toed shoes or boots, preferably water-resistant like rain boots
- Rubber gloves
- A long-sleeved shirt
- Pants
- Safety goggles or other eye protection
- A respirator mask
- Read the product directions carefully.
- Wash your hands immediately after using Roundup. Shower if you can.
You can learn more about proper herbicide application in these articles:
Can you eat vegetables sprayed with Roundup?
Try to avoid eating vegetables that have been sprayed with Roundup or any non-organic herbicide, especially if they have been sprayed recently.
While it may be better to avoid vegetables sprayed with Roundup, it’s practically unavoidable unless you grow your own food and are sure that no Roundup drifts into your garden.
You may not know it, but many crops are sprayed with Roundup. Some of these crops include corn and soybeans. Many of our foods have trace amounts of glyphosate already. Always wash your produce well before eating.
What are some non-toxic alternatives to Roundup?
You can use natural herbicides or homemade weed killers instead of Roundup. If you’d like to ditch herbicides altogether, there are many safer alternatives to applying herbicides. You can learn more about these options in these articles:
Hire a professional to deal with your weeds
Roundup is very effective, which is why it’s still so popular despite the recent controversies. Just make sure you’re properly protected and wait until it’s dry before venturing into your lawn again.
If you’re too busy to tackle weeds yourself, consider calling a local weed control professional. Lawn Love can connect you with a pro in your area who can tackle weeds and more with just a few clicks.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer
- Journal of Applied Ecology (hosted on the official website of the British Ecological Society)
Main Image Credit: Mike Mozart | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
