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Quantification of the Potential Impact of Glyphosate-Based Products on Microbiomes
Published on: January 10, 2022
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Is it time to reassess current safety standards for glyphosate-based herbicides?
Laura N Vandenberg1, Bruce Blumberg2, Michael N Antoniou3
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|March 22, 2017
Summary
Glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) safety assessments are outdated. Rising human exposure and new research indicate current standards may not protect public health or the environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) use has surged dramatically, with further increases anticipated.
- Existing safety evaluations for GBHs are based on decades-old research.
- Emerging data from in vitro and in vivo studies raise concerns about current safety assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on GBH use, exposure, and toxicity.
- To evaluate the adequacy of existing safety standards for GBHs.
- To identify critical areas for improving public health and environmental protection.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of literature on GBH usage patterns and trends.
- Analysis of human exposure data and toxicological studies.
- Examination of epidemiological evidence related to GBH exposure.
Main Results:
- Human exposure to glyphosate is increasing.
- Numerous studies challenge the scientific basis of current glyphosate safety assessments.
- Current safety standards for GBHs may be insufficient to safeguard public health and the environment.
Conclusions:
- Existing safety standards for glyphosate-based herbicides are outdated.
- Urgent updates are needed, including human biomonitoring and advanced hazard assessments.
- Further research on epidemiological impacts and formulation effects is crucial.
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