This spring the World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assessed the carcinogenicity of five organophosphate pesticides. Their biggest finding, glyphosate, found in common household pesticides was determined to be a “probable carcinogen” (Class 2A). The research, published in The Lancet Oncology, relies on studies conducted on the chemical over the past few decades and has found that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans” and can cause non-Hodgkins lymphoma and lung cancer in humans, as well as hard evidence of causation in animals.

Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup line of weed killers, was deemed safe by the EPA and has increased in popularity and usage over the last two decades. Popularity has also increased due to genetically engineered crops created to withstand the herbicide. The EPA has also raised the allowable limits for glyphosate in food in 2013. Currently, the allowed level in teff animal feed will be 100 parts per million (ppm); oil seed crops, 40 ppm.

Dow Chemical has a new product called “Enlist Duo” that also uses the main component of glyphosate, and is marketing it as the new tool for farmers to battle herbicide-resistant weeds. These types of development could mean big changes for GMOs, farmers, and your health.