Journal article
Glyphosate: Environmental contamination, toxicity and potential risks to human health via food contamination
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol.23(19), pp.18988-19001
2016
PMID: 27541149
Abstract
Glyphosate has been the most widely used herbicide during the past three decades. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies glyphosate as 'practically non-toxic and not an irritant' under the acute toxicity classification system. This classification is based primarily on toxicity data and due to its unique mode of action via a biochemical pathway that only exists in a small number of organisms that utilise the shikimic acid pathway to produce amino acids, most of which are green plants. This classification is supported by the majority of scientific literature on the toxic effects of glyphosate. However, in 2005, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reported that glyphosate and its major metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), are of potential toxicological concern, mainly as a result of accumulation of residues in the food chain. The FAO further states that the dietary risk of glyphosate and AMPA is unlikely if the maximum daily intake of 1 mg.kg-1 body weight (bw) is not exceeded. Research has now established that glyphosate can persist in the environment and therefore, assessments of the health risks associated with glyphosate are more complicated than suggested by acute toxicity data that relate primarily to accidental high rate exposure. We have used recent literature to assess the possible risks associated with the presence of glyphosate residues in food and the environment.
Details
- Title
- Glyphosate: Environmental contamination, toxicity and potential risks to human health via food contamination
- Authors
- Shahla Hosseini Bai (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringSteven Ogbourne (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol.23(19), pp.18988-19001
- Publisher
- Springer
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11356-016-7425-3
- ISSN
- 0944-1344
- PMID
- 27541149
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450353102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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