Measured exposures to glyphosate in applicators and the general population: an updated review of the scientific literature since 2020

Keith R Solomon ¹

⁰School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Pest Management Science +

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June 4, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Recent studies show that exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, poses a minimal risk to the general population and applicators. Glyphosate exposure levels have also decreased since 2020.

Area Of Science

Environmental Science
Toxicology
Public Health

Background

Glyphosate is a prevalent herbicide with ongoing public and scientific scrutiny.
Past classification as 'probably carcinogenic' by IARC (2015) has been re-evaluated by regulatory bodies.
Pesticide risk assessment necessitates comprehensive human and environmental exposure data.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate recent scientific literature (post-2020) on glyphosate exposure in the general population.
To assess the current risk profile of glyphosate use based on updated exposure data.
To identify trends in glyphosate exposure levels among different population groups.

Main Methods

Review of scientific studies and government reports published since 2020.
Focus on population-based studies assessing general population exposure.
Analysis of exposure data for agricultural applicators and the wider public.

Main Results

Studies published since 2020 indicate that glyphosate exposure presents a de minimis risk.
Recent population-based studies show a slight decline in glyphosate exposure levels.
Regulatory agencies have concluded glyphosate is not a carcinogen, revising ADIs and RfDs.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests glyphosate exposure poses a negligible risk to applicators and the general population.
Observed trends indicate a reduction in glyphosate exposure since 2020.
Updated risk assessments support the continued, albeit regulated, use of glyphosate.

Keywords:

applicators dietary exposure population systemic dose