Glyphosates: What they are and how they affect your health?

Glyphosate is a type of pesticide widely used in agriculture to control weeds and unwanted plants. Recently, concerns have emerged that glyphosates may act as obesogens chemical substances that can contribute to weight gain and obesity by disrupting metabolism and hormonal function. This aspect adds to the ongoing debates about their potential effects on human health and the environment.

What are glyphosates?

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in agriculture to control weeds and unwanted plants. It is the active ingredient in some pesticides and has become one of the most popular herbicides due to its effectiveness and low cost. However, its use has effects on human health and the environment.

Use and mechanism of action

Glyphosate works by inhibiting an essential enzyme (EPSP synthase) in the shikimate metabolic pathway, which is present in plants, fungi, and some bacteria. By blocking this enzyme, plants are unable to produce essential proteins, ultimately leading to their death.

Effects on human health

Various studies have explored the effects of glyphosate on human health, with results that are often mixed and sometimes controversial:

1. Obesity and metabolism: As an obesogen, glyphosate may interfere with the endocrine system, affecting weight regulation and metabolism. Animal studies have suggested that exposure to glyphosate can lead to increased fat accumulation and disrupt hormonal balance related to appetite control and fat storage.
2. Cancer: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. This classification is based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in laboratory animals, indicating a possible increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
3. Chronic diseases: Research has suggested possible links between glyphosate exposure and chronic diseases such as kidney disorders, liver problems, and endocrine disorders. However, these associations require further studies to establish direct causation.
4. Reproductive and developmental disorders: Some animal studies have shown that glyphosate exposure can affect fertility and fetal development. In humans, the data are less conclusive, but concerns exist about potential adverse effects on pregnant women and children.
5. Acute effects: Acute exposure to glyphosate can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory difficulties, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. These effects are more common in agricultural workers and individuals handling the herbicide without proper protection.

Environmental impact

The extensive use of glyphosate has also raised environmental concerns:

1. Water pollution: Glyphosate can leach into water bodies through agricultural runoff, affecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems. It has been detected in rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers in various agricultural regions.
2. Biodiversity: By eliminating unwanted plants, glyphosate can also negatively impact beneficial plants, insects, and other organisms that depend on these plants for survival. This can lead to a reduction in biodiversity.
3. Weed resistance: Repeated and extensive use of glyphosate has led to the development of resistant weeds, forcing farmers to use higher doses or combinations of herbicides, which exacerbates health and environmental problems.

Regulations and safety measures

Due to concerns about glyphosate safety, some countries have implemented stricter regulations or even banned its use. Recommended safety measures include:

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling glyphosate.
• Following the usage instructions and recommended doses on product labels.
• Implementing integrated agricultural practices that reduce reliance on chemical herbicides.

Studies on glyphosates and obesogens

Recent research has addressed this topic and its implications for public health.

Environmental obesogens and their impact on susceptibility to obesity

This study analyzes how environmental obesogens, such as glyphosate, may increase susceptibility to obesity by disrupting hormonal regulation and metabolism (Oxford Academic).

Mechanisms of action, chemical characteristics, and model systems of obesogens

This work explores the mechanisms of action of obesogens, focusing on how substances like glyphosate can activate hormonal receptors that contribute to adipogenesis and metabolic disruption (BioMed Central).

Update on human exposure to glyphosate, with a complete review of exposure in children

This article provides a comprehensive review of human exposure to glyphosate, with particular emphasis on levels detected in children and agricultural workers, and discusses the implications for health (BioMed Central).