The city of Riverside has been using Glyphosate/RoundUp base products by the the gallons in our public spaces in and near parks, schools and walking trails. Where our children play and where we walk our dogs. The only reason they spray is for cosmetic reasons. Glyphosate's half-life (the time it takes for half of the active ingredient to degrade) is between 3 days and 19 weeks depending on water conditions. The city is constantly treating these areas and since we don't get much rain so we are in the 19 weeks range all the time. This chemical over time harms everything it comes in contact with, and small kids and animals are the most effected. The city workers using this product are also not wearing any protection from harming themselves. It kills everything in the the soil as well, making it harder to grow healthy plants and weeds have become more resistant over time. The EPA says glyphosate is “safe”, so what’s the big deal? It is true that the EPA continues to hold that glyphosate is safe for use. The courts and the scientific community believe otherwise. Glyphosate is almost certainly carcinogenic to humans. In 2015, the World Health Organization reclassified glyphosate as carcinogenic to humans.

The fact that a herbicides/pesticide is registered by the EPA does not mean that it is safe; it simply means that standards have been established to minimize the risks associated with its use. Many widely-used herbicides/pesticides were registered many years ago under less stringent standards than are used today. They can pose health risks, even when used and applied in full compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations and legal requirements.

We need to changes this policy and ban the use of Glyphosate based products in Riverside. We need to consider public health and not just going with the cheapest solution. There are many city's in California who have banned this product and are using organic options to manage weeds. We have to change this and stop our community from being exposed to this chemical. Let's not gamble with our communities health and pull together and stop this. Please sign and share with a fellow Riversider.