From the Guidelines
Glyphosate exposure has been linked to potential behavioral effects, including increased anxiety, depression-like behaviors, and altered social interactions, although the provided evidence primarily focuses on organophosphate (OP) pesticides rather than glyphosate specifically. The studies on OP pesticides, such as those conducted by 1 and 1, suggest that exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy can lead to cognitive and behavioral deficits in children, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the evidence on glyphosate is not directly addressed in the provided studies, the mechanisms of action for OP pesticides, including disruption of neurotransmitter function and impact on gut microbiota, could potentially apply to glyphosate as well.
Key points to consider:
- The provided evidence highlights the importance of minimizing exposure to agricultural chemicals, including OP pesticides and potentially glyphosate, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
- Research on OP pesticides has shown that even low-level exposures can have neurodevelopmental effects, and the same may be true for glyphosate.
- The general public can reduce exposure to herbicides like glyphosate by washing produce thoroughly, considering organic options when possible, and avoiding direct contact with these chemicals.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the potential behavioral effects of glyphosate exposure, but caution is warranted based on the available evidence on OP pesticides.
In terms of reducing exposure, people who work with agricultural chemicals should wear protective equipment, follow safety guidelines, and wash thoroughly after potential contact, as recommended by studies such as 1. The general public can also take steps to minimize exposure, including washing produce thoroughly and considering organic options when possible. While the evidence on glyphosate is limited, the potential behavioral effects warrant caution, and minimizing exposure to herbicides like glyphosate is a prudent approach, especially for vulnerable populations.
From the Research
Glyphosate Exposure and Human Health
- Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that has been detected in high amounts in workers' urine and in bodily fluids such as blood and maternal milk, as well as in 60%-80% of the general population, including children 2.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen in 2015, while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stated that available data did not provide sufficient evidence to prove its mutagenic/carcinogenic effects in 2022 2.
- Research has established that glyphosate can persist in the environment, making assessments of health risks more complicated than suggested by acute toxicity data 3.
Effects of Glyphosate on Human Behavior
- There is limited research directly linking glyphosate exposure to specific effects on human behavior.
- However, studies have reported that glyphosate exposure can have toxicological effects on human cells, which may contribute to deleterious consequences for human health 4.
- Epidemiological studies have reported contradictory data on the effects of glyphosate exposure on human health, and most have not determined the glyphosate dosage to confirm a direct effect 4.
Glyphosate Toxicity and Human Exposure
- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies glyphosate as 'practically non-toxic and not an irritant' under the acute toxicity classification system, but research has raised concerns about its potential toxicity and risks to human health via food contamination 3.
- Human exposure to glyphosate can occur through various routes, including occupational exposure, environmental exposure, and consumption of contaminated food and water 5, 6.
- The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic to humans" 6.