Human exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and methods to reduce exposure

Human exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and methods to reduce exposure

Glyphosate is the primary active ingredient in some of the most widely used herbicides globally. Studies of cancer in humans following exposure to the chemical and in animals exposed to glyphosate have highlighted concern over its toxicity, as well as the international agency for research on cancer (IARC) labelling glyphosate a “probable human carcinogen.” Despite this, data on human exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), particularly in Australia, remains scarce. There is also a lack of data on exposure routes for those who use GBHs, as well as data on the chemical synergies of the formulations themselves, as most studies focus solely on glyphosate in terms of exposure. For my thesis, I developed a method for the quantification of glyphosate in urine samples, which I then used for the first time quantification of glyphosate urinary concentrations in the Australian general population, as well as New Zealand farmers. I then sampled more occupational users of GBHs to determine exposure based on spraying methods, and the effect of P.P.E on urinary glyphosate concentrations. I subsequently looked at non-target analysis of the most commonly GBHs, and finally used archived wastewater samples to characterise the occurrence and fate of glyphosate in wastewater treatment plants across Australia.

Please note this is a Student Progress Review presentation by Garth Campbell