The first study of exposure in adults to glyphosate, the most commonly used pesticide in Ireland, has found the general population is subjected to “low exposure” from the chemical but within acceptable EU safety limits. Glyphosate is extensively used in agriculture and horticulture to combat weeds, and is sprayed as a pre-harvest treatment on some food crops. NUIG researchers and collaborators from the UK Health and Safety Executive measured glyphosate in urine samples provided by 50 Irish adults to estimate background levels of exposure among this population. Of the samples analysed, 20 per cent had detectable trace levels of glyphosate. The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, was carried out by PhD student Alison Connolly and post graduate student Michelle Leahy.

Source: The Irish Times May 21, 2018 19:30 UTC