Traces of a controversial weedkiller linked to cancer have been detected in public playgrounds across the UK, according to a new investigation. Campaigners are now demanding urgent action to restrict its use in areas frequented by children.
Widespread Contamination in Play Areas
The Pesticides Action Network (Pan) UK conducted tests at 13 playgrounds located in Kent, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Tower Hamlets, and Hackney. Their findings were alarming: traces of glyphosate or its breakdown product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), were present in eight of the 13 sites.
The only area where no residue was found was Hackney, which notably ceased using glyphosate in its public green spaces back in 2021. The chemicals were discovered on various surfaces, including play equipment like swings and slides, where direct contact is most likely.
"It is deeply concerning to find a highly hazardous pesticide like glyphosate present in the very places where our children play," stated Nick Mole from Pan UK. He highlighted the particular risk for young children, who often put their hands and objects in their mouths.
Mounting Scientific and Political Pressure
The World Health Organization has classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen since 2015. Despite this, UK councils continue to apply thousands of litres of glyphosate-based herbicides in parks, playing fields, cemeteries, and on pavements.
Professor Michael Antoniou, a specialist in molecular genetics and toxicology at King’s College London, warned of broader health risks. "Our studies have shown that exposure to glyphosate herbicides is a significant risk factor for the development of a range of serious health conditions," he said. These include fatty liver disease, kidney disease, and various cancers, including leukaemias.
He challenged regulatory assurances, stating, "The assertion by government regulators that glyphosate is safe does not stand up to latest scientific scrutiny... a safe dose of glyphosate is, at present, unknown."
Political pressure is intensifying. Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, Siân Berry, has tabled a bill calling for councils to ban glyphosate use in public areas. "Councils have many other options than covering our children’s local environment in hazards," she told the Guardian.
Parents React with Shock and Anger
At Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets, parents expressed dismay upon learning of the potential contamination. Dafina Bozha, watching her daughter play, said, "This should be their safest place... If it’s something that gets to my child’s health, it’s something that’s very important to me."
Another mother, Naz B, argued that the use of such chemicals contradicted the purpose of a playground. "The playground is supposed to be about nature and survival," she said, advocating for natural alternatives. "We have so many products, natural products... I’m sure there’s products out there that you can use without using the old-fashioned chemicals."
The Health and Safety Executive is due to re-examine the authorisation for glyphosate this year, with a public consultation expected soon. Campaigners are urging for a significant restriction on its use, especially in urban settings, to eliminate unnecessary exposure for the public and children.
