PESTICIDES: A LIFE RUINED BY GLYPHOSATE

Ludovic Maugé, a former landscape gardener in Brittany, France, once looked forward to many more happy years by the coast. However, three decades of exposure to glyphosate have tragically cut short his dreams and fundamentally altered his life. Five years ago, he was diagnosed with intravascular B-cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, which has since been officially recognized as an occupational disease.

Glyphosate is the world's most widely used—and most controversial—herbicide. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as "probably carcinogenic." More recent studies from institutions like the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) have also established a probable link between exposure to this chemical and certain cancers.

EU's Decision Sparks Controversy

Despite these findings, the European Union extended glyphosate's authorization until 2033. This decision was based on studies from EFSA and ECHA, the European food safety and chemical agencies. In April, several environmental and consumer rights organizations challenged this renewal before the European Court of Justice.

Xavier Coumoul, a toxicologist and researcher at INSERM, explained the discrepancy in evaluations. He noted that regulatory agencies typically require manufacturers to conduct their own safety tests, a process that raises questions about the independence of these assessments. "EFSA gives little consideration to epidemiological studies and relies heavily on data provided by industries," Coumoul stated, "whereas INSERM or IARC rely much more on academic literature and the monitoring of real-world product use."

A Victim's Powerful Plea

For Ludovic Maugé, whose life now hangs in the balance, the product's toxicity is undeniable. After enduring more chemotherapy than typically permitted, his last hope is an autologous stem cell transplant—a slim chance. "As my oncologist told me, we can no longer talk about a cure," he admitted.

Because his cancer was recognized as an occupational disease, Ludovic receives a modest state allowance. He also gets a monthly compensation of 180 euros from Bayer-Monsanto, the manufacturer of the product he says poisoned him. "It's a pittance, but I don't care," he said. "The most important thing for me was that my illness was recognized as work-related."

Though he can no longer work and faces a daily ordeal, Ludovic is determined to continue his fight. "What I want is to spread the message. Glyphosate destroyed my life; it poisoned me. These products destroy people and destroy nature," he insisted. He voiced his outrage at the EU's decision to renew glyphosate's authorization.

"When I see politicians re-authorizing these products, I feel a lot of anger. It's because of the pesticide lobby," he concluded. "Unfortunately, we are powerless against these politicians and Bayer-Monsanto. If I could say one thing to the European Union, it's this: ban these products. That's all."

What are your thoughts on the differing scientific assessments of glyphosate's safety, and how do you think regulatory bodies should address these discrepancies?