Mark Whitehead 14 August 2018

Councils face calls to ban 'dangerous' weedkiller

Councils are facing calls to ban the use of a controversial weedkiller after a landmark legal decision in the US.

A judge in California ruled that the agriculture giant Monsanto should have warned users about the dangers of its Roundup and RangerPro products.

Monsanto was ordered to pay £226m in damages to a man who claimed the weedkiller caused his cancer.

The World Health Organisation has previously said that glyphosate-based weed killers are 'probably carcinogenic', but Monsanto denies the claim and intends to appeal against the American ruling.

Wrexham Plaid Cymru councillor Carrie Harper called for a review of the council's use of the weedkiller.

She said: 'This latest case in the US is the first but it could easily open the floodgates for more and it's only right that the council has a review at this point in time.'

Belfast City Council Green Party councillor Georgina Milne said: 'The World Health Organisation states that weedkiller probably causes cancer yet we spray it across our parks and green spaces.

'It's potentially dangerous for council staff who use the product often and it's devastating for insects, with the bee population hit particularly hard.

"Belfast City Council must apply the precautionary principle and protect workers, park users and wildlife by stopping the use of this product.'

In a statement, the Amenity Forum said: 'In the case of the active glyphosate, it has only recently undergone a thorough review in Europe and been re-approved for use in amenity situations as a safe chemical. This review, conducted by the Expert committee of scientists in Europe and approved by vote of member states, took into account some concerns expressed about the active possibly having carcinogenic effects. Based on all the science and evidence available, it was concluded that these were unfounded and it was safe to use.

'In that context, the Forum is very surprised to hear the outcome of the recent judgement in the USA relating to glyphosate in the product Round Up. We understand that an appeal is to be made by the manufacturer and so it is inappropriate to comment further on this.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Digital Trainee Apprentice - IT Solutions Technician Level 3

Essex County Council
£15435.0000 - £24522.0000 per annum
Digital Trainee Apprentice - IT Solutions Technician Level 3Fixed Term, Full Time£15,435 increasing to £24,522 in the second yearLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Revenue & Benefits

Stroud District Council
up to £66,952
Located in the heart of beautiful Gloucestershire, Stroud District Council is seeking a passionate, values-driven leader... Ebley Mill, Stroud / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stroud District Council

Strategic Director of Housing & Communities

Stroud District Council
up to £99,764 (includes a market supplement, based on experience)
Located in the heart of beautiful Gloucestershire, Stroud District Council is seeking a passionate, values-driven leader... Ebley Mill, Stroud / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stroud District Council

IT Support Officer - Rochford District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £15.9900 per hour
IT Support Officer - Rochford District Council Rochford, Essex Full-Time, Temporary - 37 hours per week 3-Month Contract £15.99 PAYE / £20.51 Umbrella England, Essex, Rochford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Environmental Health Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Are you passionate about protecting the environment and promoting public health? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner