A study conducted by Irish researchers found that an ingredient used in weed killer was detected in the urine of a quarter of individuals who were sampled.
Scientists at University of Galway investigating exposure to glyphosate in families have detected low level traces of the herbicide.
The IMAGE research project ran from 2019 to 2020 and is the first of its kind to investigate levels of background exposure to glyphosate among Irish households.
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Glyphosate is the active ingredient in over 750 products, including Roundup.
The study tested urine samples collected from farm and non-farm families for the presence of glyphosate and its main human metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA).
Dr Alison Connolly, exposure scientist who conducted the research while at University of Galway, said: "This study produced important results on human exposures to a chemical of public concern and is particularly timely with the European Commission currently re-evaluating glyphosate."
The research was carried out as a European project on Human Biomonitoring, the HBM4EU project.
A total of 68 families took part – 14 of whom were living on farms, with one of those family members spraying glyphosate-based pesticide. The study analysed tests from 226 people along with detailed dietary and lifestyle questionnaire.
Glyphosate was detectable in 26% of samples. AMPA was detectable in 59% of samples.
The daily intakes for participants were back-calculated from urinary glyphosate concentrations and compared to the acceptable daily intake.
Calculated intakes were equivalent to 3% or less of the EFSA acceptable level.
Dr Marie Coggins, Senior Lecturer in Exposure Science at University of Galway, said: "Exposure should be reduced further by substitution with less harmful methods, careful chemical handling practices and the use of exposure controls such as personal protective equipment.”
Researchers said the higher detection frequency for AMPA may be due to dietary exposure, i.e. from residues on foods and water.
They also found maximum exposures to glyphosate are low compared to the current acceptable daily intake set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) without presenting an appreciable health risk.
More of this herbicide is used around the world than any other, to combat weeds, as a pre-harvest drying treatment on certain food crops, in home gardens and in parks, public spaces, lawns, gardens and roadsides.
The European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) have classified glyphosate as causing serious eye damage and being toxic to aquatic life.
However, it has stated that it is not justified to classify glyphosate as a carcinogen.
Glyphosate is currently approved for use in the EU, an approval which is under review by the European Commission. The final EFSA conclusion is expected in July 2023.
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