We’ve all seen it—the familiar sight of a spray contractor applying Roundup (glyphosate) on roadsides, parks, or private properties.
Often, they’re wearing little more than a standard surgical mask, if anything at all, perhaps believing that’s adequate protection. This practice isn’t just risky—it’s foolhardy and reckless not to use appropriate protective gear.
Surgical Masks: A False Sense of Safety?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned that surgical masks offered limited protection against tiny viral particles. So, it raises an important question: If surgical masks aren’t fully protective against viruses, how could they possibly guard against chemical herbicides like glyphosate?
Surgical masks, by design, don’t form a tight seal around the face. They’re effective for larger droplets—think coughs or sneezes—but pesticides like glyphosate produce fine aerosols and vapors that slip easily around these masks.
Glyphosate Exposure: More Than Just a Spray
Glyphosate-based formulations, like Roundup, often include additives and surfactants designed to penetrate surfaces—including human skin and respiratory systems. Contractors spraying without adequate protective gear might unknowingly inhale tiny droplets or vapors, increasing their risk of chronic health issues.
Research increasingly highlights the health risks from glyphosate exposure, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, endocrine disruption, and potential links to certain cancers. Yet many contractors remain unaware—or worse, misled—about the safety provided by basic masks.
A Critical Omission: Where’s the Mask in Glyphosate Guidelines?
One glaring inconsistency is that many glyphosate product labels, while specifying gloves, goggles, overalls, and boots, make no explicit mention of wearing masks or respirators.
Even the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines, which detail personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles, do not specifically recommend masks.
Considering that inhalation is a key exposure route, this omission seems almost negligent. Why wouldn’t a mask—arguably the most critical line of defense—be standard advice?
It’s hard not to question whether this gap reflects a broader issue: Are manufacturers and regulators downplaying inhalation risks to minimize perceived hazards? Or is it simply an outdated approach to safety that hasn’t caught up with the latest research?
What Should Contractors Wear?
Experts recommend more than just a mask. Proper protection involves:
- Respirators: At minimum, an N95 respirator or, ideally, a half-face or full-face respirator with cartridges designed specifically for pesticides.
- Protective Clothing: Chemical-resistant suits, gloves, boots, and goggles or face shields.
Without these protections, contractors expose themselves to daily low-dose chemical exposure, a silent threat that accumulates over time.
Questioning the Status Quo
We must ask why contractors aren’t uniformly provided with, or aren’t using, adequate protective gear. Is it due to a lack of training, cost-cutting measures by employers, or simply complacency fostered by industry assurances about glyphosate’s “safety”?
If you’re a contractor, consider this your critical wake-up call. Your long-term health may hinge on the protective gear you choose today.
It’s time to challenge assumptions, ask hard questions, and demand safer standards—because your health is worth far more than industry convenience.
Manufacturer Safety Instructions: Glyphosate Use
According to manufacturers, using glyphosate-based herbicides safely involves the following precautions:
- Always read and follow the label instructions on the product packaging.
- Wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, overalls, and boots.
- Avoid spraying during windy conditions to reduce drift.
- Prevent contamination of water sources by keeping a safe distance from streams, rivers, and drains.
- Store products securely and dispose of empty containers as directed on the label.
For more specific safety guidelines, consult the label of your chosen glyphosate product and visit their websites, such as the following examples, chosen at random for illustrative purposes, like the Ravensdown Glyphosate 360 Label (Update: It appears that this page is no longer online) or the Orion AgriScience Glyphosate 360 Label.
Remember, using the correct protective gear and following manufacturer instructions is not just recommended—it’s essential for your health.
Further Reading and Resources
For those interested in diving deeper into the topic of glyphosate safety and the potential health impacts of exposure, check out the following resources:
Glyphosate Safety and Label Instructions – Ravensdown: Basic product summary only; no full label or safety sheet provided.
Visit the Product page
Glyphosate 360 Label – Orion AgriScience:
Detailed precautions and safety measures.
View the Label
EPA Guidance on Glyphosate Use:
Find out how to safely use glyphosate in the garden. Safety protocols and best practices (which do not mention the use of respiratory protection at all).
EPA New Zealand
Staying informed and questioning industry norms is key to making safer choices. Equip yourself with knowledge and protect your health.
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