(NaturalNews) Despite the fact that the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a division of the World Health Organization, announced that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic to humans," workers in many public spaces are still seen spraying lawns and gardens with it. Think about the many times you've seen maintenance trucks near your beautifully-landscaped shopping centers, around schools, in parks, at outdoor sports venues and even playgrounds or hospital grounds.

In New York City, it was found that more than 1,300 green areas were sprayed with pesticides, of which Monsanto's Roundup was discovered to be the most commonly used variety. Coincidentally, incidences of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer cases were also becoming more prevalent and could be linked to the excessive use of the harmful pesticide in the city.

It is also an issue in the U.K. where in Newcastle, city council members cite glyphosate's benefits. "We have a duty to maintain the infrastructure of the city," says Michael Murphy, director of communities in Newcastle, U.K. "Weeds can cause trip hazards and physical damage to surfacing as well as block sightlines, trap litter and look unsightly." The city council maintains that spraying glyphosate is not detrimental to public health.

Unfortunately, the spraying of glyphosate is common in many public areas around the world.

Find out if your town is spraying Roundup: ways to make your voice heard

Contact federal, state and local officials

Get in touch with officials that represent your area. As a tax-paying citizen, you're well within your rights to inquire about areas that receive such treatment. Then, encourage them to no longer use harmful chemicals in public spaces.

This step was taken in British Columbia, Canada, where a handful of Port Alberni residents emailed city council members a link to the journal Entropy, which detailed the harmful health problems associated with Roundup such as cancer and infertility.

You can do the same in your area of residence. Voice your opinion about the use of harmful pesticides. The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is a great resource; this link provides you with everything from sample letters to use as a model when contacting a local representative to a list of federal, state and local agencies and officials. Specifically, seek pesticide and fertilization regulation divisions and departments responsible for issuing the commercial licensing of such processes.

Get detailed, hone in on extremely local avenues

Have you ever noticed how lush and green golf courses are? What about wedding venues? Even some shopping centers or corporate offices boast pine-green lawns where people sit on nearby benches, talking with friends or colleagues.

For example, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America says on its web site that "it is very important to note that pesticides and fertilizers are not used primarily for aesthetic reasons. First and foremost, they are tools that help ensure a healthy playing surface for the game." They go on to say that golfers are not at risk and that "Golf courses are tremendous economic assets, as well as vital greenspaces for communities."

Perhaps it's time for you to inform them of the studies and stories you've read that detail the harms of pesticides and why that matters more than "economic assets." Why not share with them information about Roundup's health hazards or even ask them outright if they know what pesticide brand is used near courses in your area. According to their site, they can be reached at 1-800-472-7878 and a list of staff members can be found here.

Search the areas that directly impact you and learn which pesticides are used

Find out which other locations in your area make claims on their web site that pesticides are safe. Is it your child's school? That walking trail you jog? A local garden show? Visit their web sites.

Even a simple search on popular job sites for lawn care techs or commercial fertilizer specialists can help you pinpoint which parks or corporate complexes near you are searching for experts to douse the area with pesticides. Contact them and encourage them to consider natural alternatives such as vinegar sprays or ladybugs that remove problematic pests safely. At the very least, you can making your thoughts clear.

You might also want to considering digging a little to find out who sponsors area home and garden shows or even sporting events. If they have Roundup as a sponsor, why not get in touch with that particular organization and express your concern?

Sources for this article include:

http://www.theguardian.com
http://www.nationofchange.org
http://www.theguardian.com
http://www.nationofchange.org
http://www.panna.org
http://www.gcsaa.org