According to recent research, one in twelve Australians had low levels of the pesticide chemical that is used most frequently worldwide in their bodies.
The weed killer glyphosate was detected in 8% of urine samples from more than 1800 Australians in the country’s first study, but the experts say people shouldn’t be alarmed by the findings.
According to Sarit Kaserzon from the University of Queensland, “The amounts that were identified were quite low and the frequency in the general population is similarly quite low in Australia.”
The experts had been worried that since the herbicide was sprayed on food and drinking water, people would be exposed to the chemical.
Dr. Kaserzon stated that although there is currently no research regarding how glyphosate impacts human health, the fact that the exposure is lower than expected is nevertheless “excellent news.”
The outcome was different for farmers who used the herbicide.
To compare the levels with 27 farmers who use glyphosate in that nation, the researchers collaborated with Massey University in New Zealand.
After spraying the pesticide, they discovered that all but one of the farmers had elevated levels of glyphosate in their bodies.
According to Kaserzon, “this shows a substantial relationship with occupational exposure for habitual users.”
It serves as a warning to anyone utilising the pesticide for work, according to lead author Garth Campbell of the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Queensland.
“We encourage utilising adequate PPE, like gloves, goggles, masks, and anything like that if you’re occupationally exposed,” Campbell added.
“There are numerous strategies to lessen exposure to the chemicals we use on a daily basis in the house and garden.
The researchers discovered that levels in the majority of New Zealand farmers were greater than those in South America, Europe, and even North America.
More than 80% of urine samples taken from 2310 Americans, including children and adults, contained residues of glyphosate, according to a new research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
In Australia, weed herbicide was found in the urine.
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