The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO). The IARC has various roles, including studying available evidence to try and understand the causes of different types of cancer. The results of this research are published in a series of IARC monographs.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has completed several scientific assessments of glyphosate since it was first registered:
Before an agricultural chemical product can be sold, supplied or used in Australia, it must be assessed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). We determine if the product meets the criteria in Australian law related to safety, efficacy, trade and labelling. This is to ensure the proposed uses will:
Glyphosate is a herbicide that kills most plants. It works by blocking an enzyme called 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate (EPSP) synthase. This enzyme is not found in humans or animals. When glyphosate is applied to a plant it spreads to all parts of the plant. Glyphosate stops the plant’s cells from making some of the amino acids needed for plant growth. Humans and animals make these amino acids using a different process than plants.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) administers a permit scheme, which allows for the legal use of chemicals under certain conditions. This may include uses that:
