A May 2025 report from the presidential Make America Healthy Again commission has renewed national attention on the health risks of pesticide exposure. The commission singled out two of the most widely used weed killers in the U.S. — glyphosate and atrazine — as possible contributors to chronic illnesses among American children.
According to the report, exposure to these pesticides may be linked to rising rates of asthma, obesity, autoimmune disorders, neurodevelopmental issues and certain cancers. While the commission stopped short of recommending a ban, it called for more research, stricter application practices and improved public awareness.
“American farmers rely on these products,” the report states. “Actions that further regulate or restrict crop protection tools beyond risk-based and scientific processes set forth by Congress must involve thoughtful consideration of what is necessary for adequate protection, alternatives and cost of production.”
We can help.
Glyphosate in Food and Agriculture
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, is the most widely used herbicide in the world. The World Health Organization has labeled it “probably carcinogenic to humans,” and numerous studies have found links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Glyphosate works by killing weeds that compete with crops for nutrients and water. Because of this, it is commonly sprayed on staple foods in the American diet. If you are wondering what crops are sprayed with glyphosate products, the list includes:
- Corn
- Soybeans
- Cotton
- Wheat
- Oats
- Barley
- Canola
- Sugar beets
Residue from these applications can end up in the food supply. Low levels of glyphosate in food have been detected in cereals, grains, and even some packaged products.
Atrazine: Another Pesticide of Concern
Atrazine is another weed killer widely used on corn and sugarcane in the United States. It has been linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues and birth defects. Unlike glyphosate, atrazine has been banned in the European Union for nearly 20 years due to concerns about water contamination and suspected endocrine disruption.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The highest levels of exposure occur in farmworkers and others who directly handle glyphosate products and atrazine. But exposure is not limited to agricultural work. Risks extend to:
- Families living near agricultural land, where chemicals can drift through the air.
- Children who play in contaminated soil or come into contact with residues tracked indoors.
- Communities where pesticides seep into streams, rivers, or even drinking water.
- Consumers who may ingest trace levels through glyphosate in food purchased at grocery stores.
How to Avoid Glyphosate in Food
While it may not be possible to eliminate exposure entirely, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk. If you are concerned about how to avoid glyphosate exposure, consider the following precautions:
- Wash fruits, vegetables and grains thoroughly before eating.
- Buy organic produce when possible, as organic standards prohibit glyphosate use.
- Filter drinking water if you live near farmland or areas of heavy pesticide use.
- Limit consumption of highly processed foods made from corn, soy or wheat, which are often treated with glyphosate.
- Stay informed about recalls or consumer reports on pesticide residue in food.
Hawaiʻi has a long history of industrial agriculture, beginning with large-scale sugarcane and pineapple plantations that transformed the islands’ landscape and economy. Over the decades, these operations relied heavily on pesticides and herbicides to maintain high crop yields. Hawai‘i-based Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman has extensive experience obtaining justice for individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other diseases from toxic exposure from glyphosate and other pesticides.
