County Supervisors Approve Halt to Using Roundup Herbicide While Study is Conducted, Alternatives Explored

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The Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Sheila Kuehl that directs county departments to stop the use of the herbicide glyphosate while a full investigation is conducted to examine whether the chemical is appropriate for use by the county based on potential environmental and health impacts.

Earlier this month, Pasadena Now and the Pasadena Weekly reported that the County had sprayed Roundup inside Northeast Pasadena.

District 4 Councilmember Gene Masuda was less than pleased.

“Roundup is very dangerous,” Masuda said. “I put it in the same category as poison, as DDT.”

In recommending the County halt spraying Roundup, Barger said on Tuesday that she was “asking county departments to stop the use of herbicide until public health and environmental professionals can determine if it’s safe for further use in L.A. County and explore alternative methods for vegetation management,” Barger said.

The use of glyphosate, a main ingredient in the herbicide brand called “Roundup,” is a well-known and effective weed abatement method used by many public and private entities.