Glyphosate (Roundup) Toxicity in Perspective: Understanding Herbicide Safety and Alternatives

Toxicity Data

Glyphosate LD50 (rat) = 4,320 mg/kg—less toxic than caffeine (200), aspirin (1,700), or table salt (3,750). It targets the shikimate pathway, present only in plants and microbes, not animals.

When Herbicide Is Needed

Manual pulling works for shallow weeds. Tree sprouts from cut roots require systemic herbicide; they cannot be pulled effectively.

Balanced View

Use the least toxic effective method. For persistent woody sprouts, targeted glyphosate is appropriate. For annual weeds, mulch and hand-weeding suffice.