GREENSBORO, N.C.-- A Greensboro woman said she is shocked at what the city is using on vegetation in public spaces.

• Resident noticed city workers spraying Roundup along the train tracks.
• Some studies have linked it to health concerns for humans, pets and pollinators.
• Greensboro Park Maintenance and Operations said workers have been using the product for years.

On Tuesday, Bobbie Bingham took her dog for a walk in downtown Greensboro and noticed city workers spraying along the train tracks. When she asked what it was, they said the product was Roundup, an herbicide some studies have linked to health concerns for humans, pets and pollinators.

"I hope my city is paying attention to global concerns. The World Health Organization released information saying that Roundup is a probable carcinogen, and I think that we need to be paying attention to it as a city," Bingham said.

The City of Greensboro Park Maintenance and Operations Coordinator, Brian Vernon, said workers have been using the product for years.

"Roundup has been around forever, but you know it is what we have always used, it works great," Vernon said.

Bingham still fears what her dog may come in contact with when he stops to smell the roses. 

"He licks the plants when he smells, and dogs learn by smelling and licking in their environment, so I have health concerns for my dog as well," Bingham said.

Vernon explained his department is in the process of switching from Roundup to an herbicide called Sureguard. 

"There is no definite answer as to when we are going to completely do away with Roundup, but it is an option now to not use the Roundup if the crew or the person spraying does not want to," Vernon said.

The main ingredient in the replacement herbicide carries some of the same potential health risks from exposure. Bingham hopes the city can find a safer alternative for the more populated areas of town.

"There are so many activities that go on downtown and many people who live downtown," Bingham said.

Vernon explained workers spray early in the morning when there are fewer people outside to reduce the risk of exposure.