What is glyphosate and why is it controversial?

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide. It's controversial because the WHO classified it as a probable human carcinogen in 2015, with ongoing scientific debate about its safety.

Are UK playgrounds being tested for glyphosate?

Yes, campaigners recently tested thirteen playgrounds in London and the home counties, finding traces of glyphosate or its breakdown product in eight of them.

Which UK area is glyphosate-free and has no traces?

Hackney, London, has been glyphosate-free in its public green spaces since 2021 and no traces of the herbicide were found in its playgrounds during recent testing.

Home / Health / UK Playgrounds Test Positive for Carcinogen Glyphosate

UK Playgrounds Test Positive for Carcinogen Glyphosate

15 Jan

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Summary

Glyphosate found in eight of thirteen UK playgrounds tested.
WHO classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen in 2015.
Hackney is glyphosate-free and had no traces in its playgrounds.

UK Playgrounds Test Positive for Carcinogen Glyphosate

Campaigners have raised alarms after detecting the weedkiller glyphosate, classified by the World Health Organization as a probable human carcinogen since 2015, in UK playgrounds. Testing of thirteen sites in London and the home counties revealed traces of glyphosate or its breakdown product in eight locations. These findings have intensified pressure for restrictions on its use in public spaces.

The analysis, conducted by Pesticides Action Network (Pan) UK, found residues on play equipment and in soil samples. Notably, Hackney, which eliminated glyphosate from public green spaces in 2021, was the sole area where no traces were detected. Experts emphasize that children's tendency to put objects in their mouths makes this exposure particularly worrying, linking glyphosate to serious health conditions beyond cancer.

As the Health and Safety Executive is set to re-examine glyphosate's authorization this year, a private member's bill is being introduced to ban its use in public areas. Local authorities are being urged to adopt alternative, safer methods for plant management, ensuring children's play environments remain hazard-free and safe for nature.