History
A brief history of glyphosate
In 1961, the glyphosate molecule was patented by the Stauffer Chemical Company as a descaling and chelating agent for removing calcium and other mineral deposits in pipes and boilers of residential and commercial hot water systems.
In 1970, Monsanto patented it for use as a weed killer (herbicide).
In 1974, Monsanto started selling glyphosate to farmers, gardeners, and the public as Roundup.
In 1982, Monsanto began work to develop genetically modified glyphosate-tolerant field crops so that glyphosate could be sprayed directly on plants intended for human consumption.
In 1985, under the Reagan administration, the EPA deemed glyphosate a Class C Carcinogen.
In 1991, just as Monsanto was ready to market its first generation of genetically modified glyphosate-tolerant plants, the EPA under George Herbert Walker Bush changed its classification to Class E, “evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans.”
In 1996, glyphosate-tolerant soybeans were introduced. By 2007, glyphosate-based products became the most heavily used herbicides used in the US.
In 2010, Monsanto patented glyphosate as an antibiotic.
In 2015, The World Health Organization’s cancer agency IARC classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A).
In 2016, a study by the University of San Francisco found glyphosate in 93% of urine samples collected across America.
In 2017, a peer reviewed study by Dr Michael Antoniou at King’s College London found small doses of glyphosate fed to rats over a two year period causes liver damage.
In 2017, it was uncovered that Monsanto had colluded with the EPA to mislead the public, that it was aware of its glyphosate’s carcinogenic properties and that it had actively worked to suppress scientific process by attacking individual researchers including French Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini.
In 2012, Seralini demonstrated that rats fed NK603 Roundup tolerant GM maize or given water containing Roundup, at levels permitted in drinking water and GM crops in the U.S., suffered severe liver and kidney damage
In 2018, Monsanto Loses Landmark Roundup Cancer Trial, Set to Pay USD 78 Million in Damages
More about this history here:
https://sustainablepulse.com/2017/09/06/a-short-history-of-glyphosate