Weed killer traces in nine of 10 urine samples of people in Malta

Nine out of 10 urine samples from people in Malta contained traces of the weed killer glyphosate, laboratory tests carried out by Friends of the Earth Malta show. The results in Malta are mirrored in results across Europe – with 45 per cent of samples from the 10 volunteers in each of the18 countries found to contain traces of the chemical. All volunteers who gave samples live in urban areas, and none had handled or used glyphosate products in the run up to the tests. This is the first time monitoring has been carried out across Europe for the presence of the weed killer in humans. Because of the small sample, lifestyle conditions will not form any type of conclusion. Glyphosate is one of the most widely-used weed killers in the world, used by farmers, local government and gardeners, as well as being sprayed extensively on some genetically modified crops imported into Europe for use as animal feed. The biggest producer is Monsanto which sells it under the brand name “Roundup”. Despite its widespread use, its presence in food or water is rarely monitored by governments. Martin Galea De Giovanni from Friends of the Earth Malta said: “Most people will be worried to discover that...