Northern Ontario

Opposition to Aerial Spraying of Broad Spectrum Herbicide

Rally against aerial pesticide spraying, called by Serpent River First Nation, along the Trans Canada Highway, August 14, 2025.

On August 14, a demonstration called by Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Elders  from the Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) was held along the Trans Canada Highway near Serpent River to oppose the aerial spraying of the broad spectrum herbicide glysophate, also known as Roundup. Some 300 people took part. An August 12 statement from the TEK elders calling for the action brought out, "The attack by the government of Ontario on our Anishinaabek way of life along the North Shore of the Great Lakes continues. In the latest assault, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has given only weeks' notice of a devastating aerial herbicide spray operation taking place between August 18 and September 30 across Anishinaabek lands near Elliot Lake, Blind River and Espanola. The operation will douse over 4,500 hectares in a commercial formulation containing the herbicide glyphosate. Similar operations are planned across other forest management areas.This herbicide impacts aquatic life, and kills blueberries and other crucial foods, medicines, and tree species necessary to forest life." Another protest is planned.

Isaac Murdoch of the SRFN, in his call to join the action gave "some key points from scientific studies and concerned professionals.

"Local Biologist: Charles Ramcharan, a biology professor at Laurentian University, has expressed significant concerns about the ecological impacts of glyphosate spraying in the Sudbury region.

"In a 2013 CBC News article, he noted that glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup, is a broad-spectrum herbicide that "will kill just about any living plant." He raised specific worries about its effects on amphibians, such as frogs and newts, which are abundant. Ramcharan also highlighted broader ecological consequences, stating that animals depend on the plants killed by glyphosate for food and cover, disrupting local ecosystems. While he acknowledged that glyphosate is considered safe for humans at recommended doses, his focus was on its environmental harm, particularly to non-target species.

"Carcinogenicity: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A) in 2015, based on evidence linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in humans and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. A 2025 study by the Ramazzini Institute found tumors in multiple organs and early-onset leukemia in rats exposed to glyphosate at doses equivalent to the EU's "safe" intake levels (0.5 mg/kg/day), raising concerns about its safety in areas where people are exposed.

"Infant Health: A 2025 University of Oregon study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that glyphosate exposure in rural U.S. communities was associated with reduced birth weight (by ~29.8 grams on average), shortened gestation periods (by ~1.49 days), and increased risks of low birth weight and preterm birth, particularly in disadvantaged populations. The study linked these effects to the widespread use of glyphosate following the introduction of genetically modified crops.

"Endocrine and Reproductive Effects: Studies have shown glyphosate may act as an endocrine disruptor, affecting hormone systems. Research by Romano et al. (2012) and Thongprakaisang et al. (2013) linked glyphosate to reproductive toxicity in rats and estrogenic activity in human breast cancer cells, potentially impacting fertility and fetal development. A 2025 study also suggested glyphosate exposure may contribute to male infertility.

"Genotoxicity and Other Effects: Recent studies, including one on pesticide applicators, have indicated potential genotoxic effects of glyphosate, which could lead to DNA damage. Chronic low-dose exposure has also been associated with liver and kidney damage in animal studies, raising concerns for populations near sprayed areas.

"Environmental and Ecological Impacts: Non-Target Organisms: Glyphosate can drift from sprayed areas, affecting non-target plants and ecosystems. Studies show it harms beneficial soil microorganisms, earthworms, and pollinators like bees, impairing their navigation, immunity, and survival, which can disrupt local ecosystems in populated areas.

"Water and Soil Contamination: Glyphosate and its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), have been detected in water sources (10 ng/L to 10 mg/L globally) and soil (up to 2 mg/kg in the EU), posing risks to drinking water and food chains in populated areas. Residues have been found in human urine, breast milk, and food products, indicating widespread exposure.

"Biodiversity Loss: The broad-spectrum nature of glyphosate can reduce plant diversity, impacting insects and food webs, which can affect ecological balance in urban and suburban areas where it is sprayed.

"Exposure in Populated Areas – Spray Drift and Residues: Glyphosate's use in urban landscaping, roadside maintenance, and residential settings increases exposure risks for residents, especially children, pregnant women, and spray applicators. Studies estimate that 21 per cent of EU soil samples contain glyphosate, and it is detectable in human biofluids, with higher levels in those near agricultural or sprayed areas."

Serpent River First Nation, August 14, 2025

West Nipissing, August 14, 2025

(Photos: I. Murdoch)

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This article was published in

Volume 55 Number 7 - July-August 2025

Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2025/Articles/M550075.HTM

Website:  www.cpcml.ca   Email:  editor@cpcml.ca