What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is an ingredient in many pesticides and herbicides designed to kill weeds without killing crops. Trade names of some products that contain glyphosate include Roundup and Rodeo.

Although products that contain glysphosate carry a warning label and are rated mildly toxic, the products are nearly nontoxic to humans, mammals and fish. They are only slightly toxic to wild birds. The products are absorbed quickly into the soil and attract tightly to prevent any from spreading away from the treated area. Absorption tends to occur faster with soil that has a highly organic composition. Very little product is transferred by rain or irrigation water.