ABSTRACT
Glyphosate is the world’s most used herbicide, designed and used as a poison. As such it warrants close scrutiny and effective governance. The close relationship between institutions of the military, chemical corporations and regulatory bodies is illustrated in the development of herbicides during the twentieth century. Toxicology studies typically refer to the mixing and use of glyphosate compounds “in accordance with the label” instructions. But as the compound is used in over 130 countries, many people involved may not even be able to read the instructions, let alone take care in its handling. Apart from the World Health Organisation and Food and Agriculture Organisation institutional involvement, there are several related multilateral agreements relevant to the sustainability of chemical technologies. These include the Montreal Protocol banning ozone-depleting substances, the Basel Convention restricting the transboundary disposal of hazardous waste, the Rotterdam Convention restricting trade in hazardous chemicals and the Stockholm Convention that limits persistent organic pollutants, such as dioxins.
