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City of Swan monitoring research into glyphosate use

Lisa ThomasThe Advocate

CITY of Swan is among a number of local Councils monitoring research into weedkiller glyphosate, which has been found by the World Health Organisation to “probably cause cancer”.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) assessed the human health risks associated with glyphosate – the active ingredient in Roundup – used by local authorities to control weeds.

Following concerns raised by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the authority has determined a full reconsideration was not required.

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City chief executive Mike Foley said the City used the APVMA as a guide for the use of glyphosate and other weed management.

“The City treats approximately 260ha of turf and 1800km of roads and paths for weeds each year. This includes the use of herbicides,” he said.

“The City used a combination of herbicide and non-herbicide weed control methods, including herbicide, saturated steam applications, mechanical whipper-snipping, turf management programs, mulching and use of ground covering plants to smother the weeds.

“Residents can request the City not apply herbicide glyphosate that it usually uses to control weeds adjacent to their property. The resident is required to control weeds to the same standard that can be achieved by the herbicide method.”

The APVMA said a weight-of-evidence evaluation included a commissioned review of the IARC monograph regarding glyphosate by the Department of Health, and risk assessments undertaken by regulatory agencies in other countries and expert international bodies.

According to the APVMA, the use of glyphosate does not pose a cancer risk to humans and products that contain it are safe to use as per the label instructions.

APVMA said it would continue to monitor new information, reports or studies.