Glyphosate risks: Study links pesticide to brain damage
Scientists from Arizona State University warn that glyphosate, a popular pesticide, may lead to permanent brain damage. Even doses previously considered safe are harmful.
Research conducted at Arizona State University has shown that exposure to glyphosate, a commonly used pesticide, may lead to permanent brain damage. The results, published in the "Journal of Neuroinflammation," indicate that even short-term exposure to this herbicide causes significant brain inflammation, akin to what is observed in Alzheimer's disease.
The studies, conducted on mice, suggest that the brain is much more susceptible to the adverse effects of glyphosate than previously believed.
Glyphosate and brain health
Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide. In Poland, 92 plant protection products containing this substance are registered. Research suggests that glyphosate exposure can lead to neurodegenerative changes, premature death, and anxiety disorders.
Additionally, it has been proven that a metabolite of glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), accumulates in the brain tissues of the tested animals. This raises concerns about its safety for humans.
The research shows that even after a six-month recovery period with no contact with the herbicide, symptoms did not subside. Prof. Ramon Velazquez, one of the study's authors, notes that the work provides further evidence of the brain's susceptibility to glyphosate.
Given the growing prevalence of cognitive disorders among the aging population, especially in rural regions where glyphosate is commonly applied, there is a pressing need for further investigation into the impact of this herbicide, he notes.
Glyphosate is common and harmful
Glyphosate is extensively used in agriculture, especially in corn, soybeans, sugar beets, alfalfa, wheat, and cotton crops. Its use has increased since 1996, when plant varieties resistant to it were developed. This widespread usage heightens the risk for farmers, who are most exposed to its harmful effects. The substance can enter the body through the skin and respiratory tract.
However, glyphosate is present throughout the food chain, permeating the air, soil, and surface waters. As a result, a large portion of the U.S. population has been exposed to it. Consuming food with glyphosate residues poses a potential health risk.
Need for further research
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers certain levels of glyphosate safe, but an increasing number of studies, including the one discussed, question these limits. Glyphosate and its metabolites can cross the blood-brain barrier, indicating the need to reassess its safety. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans."
Arizona scientists studied the impact of glyphosate on two types of mice: healthy ones and those genetically modified to develop symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. In both cases, an increase in the inflammatory markers in the brain and blood was observed.
Two doses were tested—a high dose, similar to those used in previous studies, and a lower dose, corresponding to the permissible level for humans. Even short-term exposure to doses considered safe can lead to long-term changes in brain function.
The authors of the publication highlighted that even brief exposure to glyphosate can trigger lasting inflammatory processes that harm brain health. They expressed hope that their findings would inspire additional research into its potential health effects.
