Is tapwater contaminated by herbicides glyphosate Where did the unsubstantiated stories originate?


What is herbicide glyphosate?

Glyphosate ("ingredient name "glyphosateisopropylamine-salt") is an herbicide widely used in the fields of agriculture and garden throughout the world, including Japan. It is absorbed by stems and leaves, then migrates to the roots and causes the entire plant to wilt. Since it's classified as a "non-selective" herbicide the plants will die when the herbicide is applied on the leaf surface. Pesticide companies often offer herbicides containing glyphosate after the patent expires. All herbicides containing glyphosate currently in the market are safe and have passed thorough testing.

One of the attributes of glyphosate is "safety", which is very safe for animals through a mechanism which hinders the action of the enzymes found in plants (not found in animals). Additionally the chemical solution is able to absorb into soil, and then become food for microorganisms. The chemical can also be separated into carbon dioxide, water and various other substances. It is a well-known pesticide in the world that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions because it allows no-tillage agriculture.

Glyphosate in tapwater

Tap water is safe

Is glyphosate mixed in tap water?

Weekly Shincho reported that in April 2020 there would be no standard value of glyphosate remaining in water that is filtered. It will be the goal value. This is more than the values of other pesticides or other countries. It also includes drinking water that has been polluted by pesticides. A piece I wrote about it stated that it is. There were concerns over the possibility that tap water may have high levels of dissolved lead. This information isn't accurate.

First, glyphosate has no "standard value" however it has a "target value". This is because the water quality standards for draft value (concentration that is safe even when you drink 2 liters of tap water per day for the rest of your life) was glyphosate for 10 minutes of 2 ppm. The tap water never had any concentration higher than 0.2ppm (1). According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare There was never a case of glyphosate with a concentration of more than 0.02ppm was discovered in Japan tap water. There is no chance of detection.

In addition, the soil metabolizes the glyphosate with a rate of halving in two days. The same concentration is transferred to rivers and tap water and it will not pollute.

Japanese tapwater is safe

The tap water that is used in Japan is safe. Tap water is safe as long as it is treated as it is. There are 51 elements that are subjected to strict inspection and are supplied in accordance with the law. Water can be classified into three categories: neutral, acid and alkaline. Japan has a water quality standard that guarantees water from taps is of a neutral pH (5.8 or greater , and 8.6 lower). Iron rust is still possible in the event that your water supply pipes have been damaged.

How is tap water made in the first place? Tap water is primarily made from surface water like dam lakes and river waters for raw water. The water collected in the purification plant for water is cleaned through the injection of chlorine following removal of impurities by precipitation and filtration. Every household gets water from the tap through its pipes.

Story of Japanese standard value for residues of pesticides

The current standard value of glyphosate residue for wheat in Japan has been set at 5 ppm. But, it was only 5 ppm at the time of December 2017. There are many views regarding this issue, including "We reduced the limit to 30ppm six times and regretted the health effects."

Glyphosate is a component of tapwater.

The standard residual value for glyphosate is exactly the same as the standard international.

The truth is that we didn't reduce the standard. We set it to the international residual standard value. Japan imports large amounts of wheat from South America, Canada, and the United States. The importer, the overseas producer of wheat regulates its use at 30ppm. However, Japan's standard value for glyphosate is 5ppm. This will mean that all imports of this substance will be restricted. This could lead to a decrease in wheat supply and could also threaten Japanese food. So, we have modified the standard value in order to conform to the international standards. The safety issue remains even though the standard values are current.

A good understanding of Glyphosate is essential

It is essential to have the right information of the latest scientific research, to ensure that consumers aren't influenced by their feelings regarding pesticide residues. It is also essential to not let gossip distract from your healthy eating habits.