Why Is Roundup Still Sold Regulations Alternatives Explained

Roughly 250 million pounds of glyphosate—the active ingredient in Roundup—are applied annually across the United States in agriculture, landscaping, and home gardens. Despite growing public concern over its potential health risks, including cancer links and environmental impact, Roundup remains widely available on store shelves. This raises a critical question: why is Roundup still sold when so many are calling for its ban?

The answer lies at the intersection of science, regulation, litigation, and economics. Regulatory agencies continue to approve glyphosate under current guidelines, while lawsuits challenge its safety. Meanwhile, consumers and professionals alike are seeking safer, effective alternatives. This article breaks down the complex landscape surrounding Roundup—its regulatory status, ongoing controversies, and practical alternatives—to help you make informed decisions about weed control.

The Science and Controversy Behind Glyphosate

Developed by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) in the 1970s, glyphosate works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth. It’s effective against a broad spectrum of weeds and has become one of the most widely used herbicides globally. However, scientific debate continues over its effects on human health and ecosystems.

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in animals. This classification sparked widespread alarm and prompted thousands of lawsuits from individuals claiming that long-term exposure led to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

However, other major regulatory bodies have reached different conclusions:

Organization	Assessment of Glyphosate	Year
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)	\"Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans\"	2020
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)	\"Unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard\"	2015
Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR)	\"Unlikely to be genotoxic or pose a carcinogenic risk\"	2016
California EPA (Prop 65)	Listed as \"known to cause cancer\"	2017

This divergence in assessments illustrates the complexity of chemical risk evaluation. The EPA and EFSA base their conclusions on extensive industry-submitted studies and regulatory reviews, while IARC focuses on hazard identification—whether something *can* cause harm under any condition, not necessarily whether it *does* under real-world use.

“Regulatory decisions aren’t always aligned with independent science. Just because a chemical is approved doesn’t mean it’s completely safe.” — Dr. Linda Birnbaum, Former Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Regulatory Landscape: Why Roundup Is Still Legal

The continued sale of Roundup hinges on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s stance that glyphosate does not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to label instructions. The EPA conducts periodic reevaluations of pesticides, and in its 2020 interim decision, it reaffirmed glyphosate’s registration, citing insufficient evidence of carcinogenicity.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state agricultural departments support its use due to its role in modern farming systems, particularly in conjunction with genetically modified, herbicide-resistant crops like soybeans and corn. Removing glyphosate abruptly would disrupt established agricultural practices and increase production costs.

Despite this, some jurisdictions have taken independent action:

• Over 30 countries—including France, Germany, and Austria—have banned or restricted glyphosate.
• Several U.S. cities, such as Miami Beach and Los Angeles, have banned its use on municipal property.
• California requires warning labels under Proposition 65 due to cancer concerns.

Yet, federal preemption limits local governments’ ability to ban consumer sales, allowing products like Roundup to remain accessible nationwide.

Tip: Always check your local regulations before using herbicides—municipal rules may restrict application even if federal law allows it.

Litigation and Public Pressure

Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, now faces over 100,000 lawsuits related to Roundup. High-profile verdicts, including multimillion-dollar awards to plaintiffs who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after prolonged use, have drawn national attention. In response, Bayer has agreed to settle tens of thousands of cases for billions of dollars, though it maintains that glyphosate is safe.

These lawsuits have not led to a product recall because courts do not have the authority to remove a pesticide from the market—only the EPA can do that. As long as the agency does not classify glyphosate as an imminent hazard, the product stays on shelves.

Public pressure, however, continues to grow. Consumer advocacy groups, organic farmers, and environmental organizations are pushing for stricter oversight and greater transparency in how pesticides are evaluated. Some retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe’s, have begun phasing out glyphosate-based products in response to customer demand.

Effective Alternatives to Roundup

Whether motivated by health concerns, environmental ethics, or new local regulations, many homeowners and landscapers are turning to safer weed control methods. While no single alternative matches glyphosate’s broad-spectrum efficacy and low cost, several options offer viable solutions depending on the context.

Natural Herbicides

Vinegar-based sprays (with acetic acid concentrations above 10%) can kill young weeds by desiccating foliage. Adding citrus oil or soap enhances penetration. These work best in sunny, dry conditions and may require repeated applications.

Mechanical Control

Hand weeding, hoeing, and flame weeding are labor-intensive but chemical-free. Flame weeders use propane torches to rupture plant cells—effective for driveways and patios without harming soil biology.

Cultural Methods

Healthy, dense turfgrass naturally suppresses weeds. Practices like proper mowing height, aeration, and overseeding reduce the need for herbicides. Mulching garden beds with wood chips or cardboard blocks sunlight and prevents weed germination.

Bioherbicides

Products containing beneficial fungi (like *Phoma macrostoma*) or bacteria are emerging as targeted biocontrols. Though less common and more expensive, they represent a promising frontier in sustainable weed management.

“We’ve eliminated glyphosate from our parks system by combining mulch, steam treatment, and scheduled hand-weeding. It takes planning, but communities want safer options.” — Sarah Lin, Urban Sustainability Officer, Portland Parks Department

Comparison of Weed Control Methods

Method	Effectiveness	Cost	Safety	Best Use Case
Roundup (glyphosate)	High	Low	Potential health/environmental risks	Large infestations, hard-to-reach areas
Vinegar + Citrus Oil	Medium	Low-Medium	Safe when diluted	Patios, walkways, small gardens
Flame Weeding	High (surface-level)	Medium (equipment cost)	Fire risk; no residue	Cracks, driveways, urban settings
Mulching	Preventative	Low	Very safe	Garden beds, tree rings
Manual Removal	High (if consistent)	High (labor)	Safest	Small yards, sensitive areas

Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning Away from Roundup

1. Assess your weed problem: Identify the types and locations of weeds. Are they annuals or perennials? In lawns, cracks, or garden beds?
2. Choose your method: Match the control strategy to the site. Use mulch in flower beds, vinegar spray on sidewalks, and improve lawn density in turf areas.
3. Time your intervention: Apply natural herbicides in full sun when plants are actively growing. Pull weeds after rain when soil is soft.
4. Repeat and monitor: Most non-chemical methods require multiple treatments. Keep records of what works.
5. Adopt preventive practices: Maintain healthy soil, plant ground covers, and use landscape fabric where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roundup illegal anywhere in the U.S.?

No, Roundup is not federally banned. However, some cities and counties have prohibited its use on public land. California requires cancer warnings on labels, but consumer sales remain legal.

Are there any truly safe herbicides?

No herbicide is entirely risk-free, but natural options like vinegar, corn gluten meal, and clove oil break down quickly and pose minimal threat to humans and wildlife when used properly.

Can I get sick from using Roundup once?

Acute exposure is unlikely to cause immediate illness if label instructions are followed. However, long-term or repeated exposure increases potential health risks, especially without protective gear.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Safer Landscapes

The continued availability of Roundup reflects a regulatory system that prioritizes economic and agricultural utility alongside contested scientific interpretations. While it remains legal, increasing scrutiny, litigation, and consumer demand are driving change.

You don’t have to wait for policy shifts to protect your family and environment. By understanding the risks, exploring proven alternatives, and adopting integrated weed management strategies, you can maintain a beautiful yard without relying on controversial chemicals. The future of landscaping is moving toward sustainability—not just for aesthetics, but for long-term health and ecological balance.

🚀 Ready to go glyphosate-free? Start with one small change this weekend—swap a chemical spray for vinegar or pull weeds by hand. Share your journey or tips in the comments below and inspire others to make safer choices.