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Glyphosate

PubChem CID
3496
Structure
Glyphosate_small.png
Glyphosate_3D_Structure.png
Molecular Formula
Synonyms
  • glyphosate
  • 1071-83-6
  • N-(Phosphonomethyl)glycine
  • N-Phosphonomethyl-glycine
  • Roundup
Molecular Weight
169.07 g/mol
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Dates
  • Create:
    2004-09-16
  • Modify:
    2025-01-25
Description
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in weed killer products such as RoundUp™. Glyphosate products are one of the most widely used weed killers worldwide in farms and in home gardens and lawns. These products typically contain glyphosate in combination with other ingredients that help improve the absorption of the glyphosate into the plant. Glyphosate-based formulations (GBFs) are easily bought in most stores. These products can have different combinations of other ingredients or different concentrations of glyphosate.
Glyphosate can cause cancer according to California Labor Code and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Glyphosate is an odorless white powder. Decomposition begins at approximately 419 °F (darkens). pH (1% solution in water) 2.5. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

1 Structures

1.1 2D Structure

Chemical Structure Depiction
Glyphosate.png

1.2 3D Conformer

2 Biologic Description

SVG Image
SVG Image
IUPAC Condensed
(HO)2P(O)CH2-Gly-OH
Sequence
G
HELM
PEPTIDE1{[C(C(=O)O)NCP(=O)(O)O]}$$$$
IUPAC
N-phosphonomethyl-glycine

3 Names and Identifiers

3.1 Computed Descriptors

3.1.1 IUPAC Name

2-(phosphonomethylamino)acetic acid
Computed by Lexichem TK 2.7.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

3.1.2 InChI

InChI=1S/C3H8NO5P/c5-3(6)1-4-2-10(7,8)9/h4H,1-2H2,(H,5,6)(H2,7,8,9)
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

3.1.3 InChIKey

XDDAORKBJWWYJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

3.1.4 SMILES

C(C(=O)O)NCP(=O)(O)O
Computed by OEChem 2.3.0 (PubChem release 2024.12.12)

3.2 Molecular Formula

C3H8NO5P
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

C3H8NO5P

HOOCCH2NHCH2PO(OH)2

3.3 Other Identifiers

3.3.1 CAS

1071-83-6
81591-81-3

3.3.3 Deprecated CAS

1585457-94-8, 37337-60-3, 42618-09-7, 75241-08-6
1585457-94-8, 42618-09-7, 75241-08-6

3.3.4 European Community (EC) Number

3.3.5 UNII

3.3.6 UN Number

3.3.7 ChEBI ID

3.3.8 ChEMBL ID

3.3.9 DrugBank ID

3.3.10 DSSTox Substance ID

3.3.11 HMDB ID

3.3.12 ICSC Number

3.3.13 KEGG ID

3.3.14 Metabolomics Workbench ID

3.3.15 NCI Thesaurus Code

3.3.16 Nikkaji Number

3.3.17 NSC Number

3.3.18 Wikidata

3.3.19 Wikipedia

3.4 Synonyms

3.4.1 MeSH Entry Terms

  • gliphosate
  • glyphosate
  • glyphosate hydrochloride (2:1)
  • glyphosate, calcium salt
  • glyphosate, calcium salt (1:1)
  • glyphosate, copper (2+) salt
  • glyphosate, dilithium salt
  • glyphosate, disodium salt
  • glyphosate, magnesium salt
  • glyphosate, magnesium salt (2:1)
  • glyphosate, monoammonium salt
  • glyphosate, monopotassium salt
  • glyphosate, monosodium salt
  • glyphosate, sodium salt
  • glyphosate, zinc salt
  • Kalach 360 SL
  • N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine
  • Roundup
  • yerbimat

3.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

4 Chemical and Physical Properties

4.1 Computed Properties

Property Name
Molecular Weight
Property Value
169.07 g/mol
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
XLogP3-AA
Property Value
-4.6
Reference
Computed by XLogP3 3.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
Property Value
4
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
Property Value
6
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Rotatable Bond Count
Property Value
4
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Exact Mass
Property Value
169.01400935 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Monoisotopic Mass
Property Value
169.01400935 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Topological Polar Surface Area
Property Value
107 Ų
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Heavy Atom Count
Property Value
10
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Formal Charge
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Complexity
Property Value
162
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Isotope Atom Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Compound Is Canonicalized
Property Value
Yes
Reference
Computed by PubChem (release 2021.10.14)

4.2 Experimental Properties

4.2.1 Physical Description

Glyphosate is an odorless white powder. Decomposition begins at approximately 419 °F (darkens). pH (1% solution in water) 2.5. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
White solid; [Merck Index] Colorless solid; [ICSC]
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS.

4.2.2 Color / Form

White crystals
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
White solid
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 834

4.2.3 Odor

Odorless
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)

4.2.4 Melting Point

446 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
189.5 °C
PhysProp
230 °C (dec)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 834
Gilfonos, Roundup: Clear, viscous amber-colored solution; pH 4.4-4.9. Practically odorless to slight amine-like odor. Lider: Colorless crystals. MW: 169.09; MP: 200 °C
Crop Protection Handbook Volume 99, Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, OH 2013, p. 476

4.2.5 Solubility

5 to 10 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
12000 mg/L (at 25 °C)
WORTHING,CR & WALKER,SB (1987)
Solubility in water (20 °C): 1050 g/L /Glyphosate trimethylammonium salt/
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 834
In water, 10.5 g/L in water at pH 1.9 and 20 °C
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
Practically insoluble in common organic solvents, e.g. acetone, ethanol and xylene
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 1.2

4.2.6 Density

1.74 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
1.705 at 20 °C
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
1.7 g/cm³

4.2.7 Vapor Pressure

1.94e-07 mmHg at 113 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.0000001 [mmHg]
9.8X10-8 mm Hg /1.31X10-2 mPa/ at 25 °C
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
Vapor pressure at 20 °C: negligible

4.2.8 LogP

-4
DAYLIGHT (1999)
log Kow = -3.40
Sangster J; LOGKOW Database. A databank of evaluated octanol-water partition coefficients (Log P). Available from database query at https://logkow.cisti.nrc.ca/logkow/search.html as of DATE.
-1.0

4.2.9 Stability / Shelf Life

Negligible volatility
Spencer, E. Y. Guide to the Chemicals Used in Crop Protection. 7th ed. Publication 1093. Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada: Information Canada, 1982., p. 317
Glyphosate and all its salts are non-volatile, do not photochemically degrade and are stable in air. Glyphosate is stable to hydrolysis at pH 3, 6 and 9 (5-35 °C).
Tomlin CDS, ed. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). In: The e-Pesticide Manual, 13th Edition Version 3.2 (2005-06). Surrey UK, British Crop Protection Council.
Stable 5 days at pH 4, 5, and 9 (50 °C).
Tomlin CDS, ed. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). In: The e-Pesticide Manual, 13th Edition Version 3.2 (2005-06). Surrey UK, British Crop Protection Council.
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

4.2.10 Decomposition

When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of /nitrogen and phosphorus oxides/.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 2947

4.2.11 Ionization Efficiency

Ionization mode
Positive
logIE
1.69
pH
2.7
Instrument
Agilent XCT
Ion source
Electrospray ionization
Additive
formic acid (5.3nM)
Organic modifier
MeCN (80%)

4.2.12 Dissociation Constants

pKa
0.8
TOMLIN,C (1997); pKa1
pKa1 = 2.34 (20 °C) /phosphate acid/; pKa2 = 5.73 (20 °C) /secondary amine/; pKa3 =10.2 (25 °C) /carboxylic acid/
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
pKa1 = 2.0; pKa2 = 2.6; pKa3 = 5.6; pKa4 = 10.6
Caceres-Jensen L et al; J Environ Qual 38: 1449-1457 (2009)

4.2.13 Collision Cross Section

129.03 Ų [M-H]- [CCS Type: DT; Method: stepped-field]

141.17 Ų [M+Na]+ [CCS Type: DT; Method: stepped-field]

128.6 Ų [M-H]-

140.3 Ų [M+Na]+

S50 | CCSCOMPEND | The Unified Collision Cross Section (CCS) Compendium | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2658162

4.2.14 Other Experimental Properties

Pure glyphosate has a zwitterion structure.
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
The alkali metal and amine salts are readily soluble in water
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
White powder. MP: decomposes >190 °C without melting; VP: 9X10-3 mPa (25 °C); density: 1.433 at 20 °C). Solubility in water 144 g/L (pH 9). Essentially insoluble in organic solvents. Stable over 5 days at 50 °C, (pH 4, 7 and 9) /Glyphosate-ammonium/
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
Odorless, white powder. MP: decomposes >260 °C; VP: 7.56X10-3 mPa (25 °C); logP: -4.58 (tech 25 °C); density: 1.622 at 20 °C (glyphosate sodium). Solubility in water 335 g glyphosate-sodium/L solution or 414 g glyphosate sodium/L water (20 °C, pH 4.2). Stable over5 days at pH 4, 7 and 9 (50 °C) /Glyphosate-sesquisodium/
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)

4.3 Chemical Classes

4.3.1 Drugs

Pharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15
S55 | ZINC15PHARMA | Pharmaceuticals from ZINC15 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3247749

4.3.2 Endocrine Disruptors

Potential endocrine disrupting compound
S109 | PARCEDC | List of 7074 potential endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) by PARC T4.2 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10944198

4.3.3 Pesticides

Herbicides
S69 | LUXPEST | Pesticide Screening List for Luxembourg | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3862688
Active substance -> EU Pesticides database: Approved
Pesticides -> Herbicides, Other
Environmental transformation -> Pesticides (parent, predecessor)
S60 | SWISSPEST19 | Swiss Pesticides and Metabolites from Kiefer et al 2019 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3544759
Pesticide (Glyphosate) -> USDA PDB
Pesticide

5 Spectral Information

5.1 1D NMR Spectra

1D NMR Spectra

5.1.1 1H NMR Spectra

1 of 2
Copyright
Copyright © 2022-2024 Chemical Block, Russia, Leninsky Prospect 47 - Database Compilation Copyright © 2022-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Copyright
Copyright © 2022-2024 Chemical Block, Russia, Leninsky Prospect 47 - Database Compilation Copyright © 2022-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.1.2 13C NMR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
Jeol FX-90
Copyright
Copyright © 2002-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Source of Spectrum
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Source of Sample
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Catalog Number
337757
Copyright
Copyright © 2021-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.1.3 31P NMR Spectra

1 of 2
Copyright
Copyright © 2016-2024 W. Robien, Inst. of Org. Chem., Univ. of Vienna. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Copyright
Copyright © 2016-2024 W. Robien, Inst. of Org. Chem., Univ. of Vienna. All Rights Reserved.
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5.2 Mass Spectrometry

5.2.1 GC-MS

1 of 2
Source of Spectrum
PG-1982-833-0
Copyright
Copyright © 2020-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Copyright
Copyright © 2020-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.2.2 MS-MS

1 of 2
NIST Number
1006472
Instrument Type
IT/ion trap
Collision Energy
0
Spectrum Type
MS2
Precursor Type
[M+H]+
Precursor m/z
170.0213
Total Peaks
8
m/z Top Peak
88
m/z 2nd Highest
87
m/z 3rd Highest
60
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2 of 2
NIST Number
1021342
Instrument Type
IT/ion trap
Collision Energy
0
Spectrum Type
MS2
Precursor Type
[M-H]-
Precursor m/z
168.0067
Total Peaks
5
m/z Top Peak
150
m/z 2nd Highest
124
m/z 3rd Highest
168
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5.2.3 LC-MS

1 of 3
View All
MS Category
Experimental
MS Type
LC-MS
MS Level
MS2
Precursor Type
[M+H]+
Precursor m/z
170.021
Instrument
qTof
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

88.039551 100

60.045464 6.97

124.015831 3.61

89.042412 3.50

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2 of 3
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MS Category
Experimental
MS Type
LC-MS
MS Level
MS2
Precursor Type
[M+Na]+
Precursor m/z
192.002
Instrument
Orbitrap
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

192.013702 100

146.003204 50.80

110.023430 47.79

104.972389 0.89

134.000732 0.58

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5.3 IR Spectra

5.3.1 FTIR Spectra

1 of 2
Technique
KBr WAFER
Source of Sample
U.S. Epa Repository, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Instrument Name
Bruker IFS 85
Technique
KBr-Pellet
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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5.3.2 ATR-IR Spectra

Source of Sample
Aldrich
Catalog Number
337757
Copyright
Copyright © 2018-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2018-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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7 Chemical Vendors

8 Drug and Medication Information

8.1 FDA National Drug Code Directory

8.2 Drug Labels

Homeopathic product and label

9 Agrochemical Information

9.1 Agrochemical Category

Herbicide
Pesticide active substances -> Herbicides
Herbicides
S69 | LUXPEST | Pesticide Screening List for Luxembourg | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3862688

9.2 Agrochemical Transformations

Glyphosat-trimesium has known environmental transformation products that include aminomethylphosphonic acid.

Glyphosate has known environmental transformation products that include AMPA.

S60 | SWISSPEST19 | Swiss Pesticides and Metabolites from Kiefer et al 2019 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3544759
Glyphosate has known environmental transformation products that include aminomethylphosphonic acid.
S78 | SLUPESTTPS | Pesticides and TPs from SLU, Sweden | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4687924

9.3 EU Pesticides Data

Active Substance
glyphosate
Status
Approved [Reg. (EC) No 1107/2009]
Date
Approval: 16/12/2023 Expiration: 15/12/2033
Legislation
01/99/EC, 2010/77/EU, Reg. (EU) 2015/1885, Reg. (EU) 2016/1056, Reg. (EU) 2016/1313, Reg. (EU) 2017/2324, Reg. (EU) 2019/724, Reg. (EU) 2022/2364, Reg. (EU) 2023/2660, Reg. (EU) No 540/2011
ADI
0.5 mg/kg bw/day [Reg. (EU) 2017/2324]
ARfD
0.5 mg/kg bw [Reg. (EU) 2017/2324]
AOEL
0.1 mg/kg bw/day [Reg. (EU) 2017/2324]

9.4 USDA Pesticide Data Program

10 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

10.1 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

The toxicokinetics of glyphosate after single 100 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) and 400 mg/kg oral doses were studied in rats. Serial blood samples were obtained after i.v. and oral administration. Plasma concentrations of glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) were determined by HPLC method. After i.v. and oral administration, plasma concentration-time curves were best described by a two-compartment open model. For glyphosate, the elimination half-lives (T(1/2beta)) from plasma were 9.99 hr after i.v. and 14.38 hr after oral administration. The total plasma clearance was not influenced by dose concentration or route and reached a value of 0.995 L/hr/kg. After i.v. administration, the apparent volume of distribution in the second compartment (V(2)) and volume of distribution at steady state (V(ss)) were 2.39 and 2.99 L/kg, respectively, suggesting a considerable diffusion of the herbicide into tissues. After oral administration, glyphosate was partially and slowly absorbed with a T(max) of 5.16 hr. The oral bioavailability of glyphosate was found to be 23.21%. Glyphosate was converted to AMPA. The metabolite AMPA represented 6.49% of the parent drug plasma concentrations. The maximum plasma concentrations of glyphosate and AMPA were 4.62 and 0.416 microg/mL, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration of AMPA was achieved at 2.42 hr. For AMPA, the elimination half-life (T(1/2beta)) was 15.08 hr after oral administration of glyphosate parent compound.
Anadon A et al; Toxicol Lett 190 (1): 91-5 (2009)
The disposition of glyphosate was studied in rats. Male F344/N rats were gavaged with 5.6 or 56 mg/kg radiolabeled glyphosate. Urine and feces were collected at 24 hour intervals for 72 hr and analyzed for activity. Selected rats were killed 3 to 96 hr post dosing to determine the tissue distribution of radioactivity. Approximately 20 to 30% of either dose was eliminated in the urine and 70 to 80% in the feces over 72 hr. Only about 1% of the dose remained in the tissues, mostly in the liver and small intestine.
DHHS/NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Glyphosate p.55 (1992). Technical Rpt Series No.16. NIH Pub #92-3135. Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/
... There is rapid elimination, no biotransformation, and minimal tissue retention of glyphosate in various species, including mammals, birds, and fish.
Krieger, R. (ed.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 2, 2nd ed. 2001. Academic Press, San Diego, California., p. 1668
Greater than 90% of an orally administered dose of glyphosate is rapidly eliminated in 72 hr /by laboratory animals/. ... Typically, approximately 70% of the administered dose is eliminated in the feces, with the remainder eliminated in the urine. In all cases, less than 0.5% of the administered dose is found in the tissue and organs, demonstrating that glyphosate does not bioaccumulate in edible tissues.
Krieger, R. (ed.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 2, 2nd ed. 2001. Academic Press, San Diego, California., p. 1668
For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

10.2 Metabolism / Metabolites

...In rats, > 97% of the (14)C/glyphosate/ in excreta, after a single oral dose, was shown to be unchanged compound. AMPA was the only metabolite, covering only 0.2-0.3% of the applied (14)C...
WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 159, Glyphosate, (1994). Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html
Following a single oral dose of 14C-glyphosate, amino methyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) was the only metabolite found in urine (0.2-0.3% of the administered dose) and feces (0.2-0.4% of the administered dose) /of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats/.
USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Database for Glyphosate (38641-94-0). EPA 738-R-93-014 (September 1993). Available from, as of January 25, 2006: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
Studies of the metabolism of glyphosate in experimental animals (rats, rabbits, lactating goats, and chickens) indicate that it is not biotransformed, with essentially all the administered dose excreted as unchanged parent molecule.
Krieger, R. (ed.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 2, 2nd ed. 2001. Academic Press, San Diego, California., p. 1669
Biotransformation of glyphosate occurs to a very low degree only. In rats it was shown that all of the carbon-14 in urine and feces, after a single oral application of (14)C-glyphosate, was present as unchanged parent compound. Also in rats, > 97% of the carbon-14 in excreta, after a single oral dose, was shown to be unchanged compound. AMPA was the only metabolite, covering only 0.2-0.3% of the applied carbon-14. In laying hens also, AMPA was the only metabolite, accounting for only a minor part of the applied amount.
WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 159, Glyphosate, (1994). Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html

10.3 Biological Half-Life

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received single intraperitoneal injections of radiolabeled (14)C glyphosate. The dose level of glyphosate used for male and female rats was 1150 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 10 hours after injection. ... Assuming first order kinetics, the decrease in radioactivity in bone marrow occurred with a half-life of 7.6 and 4.2 hours for males and females, respectively. Similarly, the half-lives of the radioactivity in plasma were approximately 1 hour for both sexes.
USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Database for Glyphosate (38641-94-0). EPA 738-R-93-014 (September 1993). Available from, as of January 25, 2006: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
The kinetics of whole body elimination were estimated using the radioactivity (14)C measured in urine and feces after a single oral dose of (14)C-glyphosate (10 or 1000 mg/kg body weight). Because of the lack of biotransformation of glyphosate it is valid to base kinetics on total radioactivity. The elimination appeared to be biphasic. The half-life of the alpha elimination phase at 10 mg/kg body weight was 5.87 hr (males) or 6.22 hr (females); at 1000 mg/kg body weight this was 5.26 hr (males)or 6.44 hr (females). The half-life of the beta phase at 10 mg/kg body weight was 79 hr (males) or 106 hr (females); at 1000 mg/kg body weight this was 181 hr (males) or 337 hr (females).
WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 159, Glyphosate, (1994). Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html
The toxicokinetics of glyphosate after single 100 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) and 400 mg/kg oral doses were studied in rats. ... For glyphosate, the elimination half-lives (T(1/2beta)) from plasma were 9.99 hr after i.v. and 14.38 hr after oral administration.
Anadon A et al; Toxicol Lett 190 (1): 91-5 (2009)

10.4 Mechanism of Action

Previous studies demonstrate that glyphosate exposure is associated with oxidative damage and neurotoxicity. Therefore, the mechanism of glyphosate-induced neurotoxic effects needs to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Roundup (a glyphosate-based herbicide) leads to neurotoxicity in hippocampus of immature rats following acute (30min) and chronic (pregnancy and lactation) pesticide exposure. Maternal exposure to pesticide was undertaken by treating dams orally with 1% Roundup (0.38% glyphosate) during pregnancy and lactation (till 15-day-old). Hippocampal slices from 15 day old rats were acutely exposed to Roundup (0.00005-0.1%) during 30min and experiments were carried out to determine whether glyphosate affects (45)Ca(2+) influx and cell viability. Moreover, /this study/ investigated the pesticide effects on oxidative stress parameters, (14)C-alpha-methyl-amino-isobutyric acid ((14)C-MeAIB) accumulation, as well as glutamate uptake, release and metabolism. Results showed that acute exposure to Roundup (30min) increases (45)Ca(2+) influx by activating NMDA receptors and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, leading to oxidative stress and neural cell death. The mechanisms underlying Roundup-induced neurotoxicity also involve the activation of CaMKII and ERK. Moreover, acute exposure to Roundup increased (3)H-glutamate released into the synaptic cleft, decreased GSH content and increased the lipoperoxidation, characterizing excitotoxicity and oxidative damage. /This study/ also observed that both acute and chronic exposure to Roundup decreased (3)H-glutamate uptake and metabolism, while induced (45)Ca(2+) uptake and (14)C-MeAIB accumulation in immature rat hippocampus. Taken together, these results demonstrated that Roundup might lead to excessive extracellular glutamate levels and consequently to glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat hippocampus.
Cattani D et al; Toxicology 320: 34-45 (2014)
Glyphosate is the primary active constituent of the commercial pesticide Roundup. The present results show that acute Roundup exposure at low doses (36 ppm, 0.036 g/L) for 30 min induces oxidative stress and activates multiple stress-response pathways leading to Sertoli cell death in prepubertal rat testis. The pesticide increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration by opening L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels as well as endoplasmic reticulum IP3 and ryanodine receptors, leading to Ca(2+) overload within the cells, which set off oxidative stress and necrotic cell death. Similarly, 30 min incubation of testis with glyphosate alone (36 ppm) also increased (45)Ca(2+) uptake. These events were prevented by the antioxidants Trolox and ascorbic acid. Activated protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and the mitogen-activated protein kinases such as ERK1/2 and p38MAPK play a role in eliciting Ca(2+) influx and cell death. Roundup decreased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and increased the amounts of thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) and protein carbonyls. Also, exposure to glyphosate-Roundup stimulated the activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, supporting downregulated GSH levels. Glyphosate has been described as an endocrine disruptor affecting the male reproductive system; however, the molecular basis of its toxicity remains to be clarified. We propose that Roundup toxicity, implicated in Ca(2+) overload, cell signaling misregulation, stress response of the endoplasmic reticulum, and/or depleted antioxidant defenses, could contribute to Sertoli cell disruption in spermatogenesis that could have an impact on male fertility.
de Liz Oliveira Cavalli VL et al; Free Radic Biol Med 65: 335-46 (2013)
A deregulation of programmed cell death mechanisms in human epidermis leads to skin pathologies. We previously showed that glyphosate, an extensively used herbicide, provoked cytotoxic effects on cultured human keratinocytes, affecting their antioxidant capacities and impairing morphological and functional cell characteristics. The aim of the present study, carried out on the human epidermal cell line HaCaT, was to examine the part of apoptosis plays in the cytotoxic effects of glyphosate and the intracellular mechanisms involved in the apoptotic events. /This study/ conducted different incubation periods to reveal the specific events in glyphosate-induced cell death. /It/ observed an increase in the number of early apoptotic cells at a low cytotoxicity level (15%), and then, a decrease, in favor of late apoptotic and necrotic cell rates for more severe cytotoxicity conditions. At the same time, /the study/ showed that the glyphosate-induced mitochondrial membrane potential disruption could be a cause of apoptosis in keratinocyte cultures.
Heu C et al; Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 34 (2): 144-53 (2012)
Herbicides have been recognized as the main environmental factor associated with human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease(PD). Previous studies indicated that the exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, is possibly linked to Parkinsonism, however the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the neurotoxic effects of glyphosate in differentiated PC12 /rat/ cells and discovered that it inhibited viability of differentiated PC12 cells in dose-and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, the results showed that glyphosate induced cell death via autophagy pathways in addition to activating apoptotic pathways. Interestingly, deactivation of Beclin-1 gene attenuated both apoptosis and autophagy in glyphosate treated differentiated PC12 cells, suggesting that Beclin-1 gene is involved in the crosstalk between the two mechanisms.
Gui YX et al; Neurotoxicol Teratol 34 (3): 344-9 (2012)
For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

10.5 Transformations

11 Use and Manufacturing

11.1 Uses

EPA CPDat Chemical and Product Categories
The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products, Scientific Data, volume 5, Article number: 180125 (2018), DOI:10.1038/sdata.2018.125
Sources/Uses
A systemic herbicide commonly used for roadside and forest applications; [EXTOXNET]
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure
Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry]
For glyphosate (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 417300) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of September 30, 2014: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide registered for use on many food and non-food field crops as well as non-crop areas where total vegetation control is desired. When applied at lower rates, glyphosate also is a plant growth regulator.
USEPA/Office of Pesticide Programs; Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document - Glyphosate. EPA 738-R-93-014 September 1993. Available from, as of February 6, 2006: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
Control of annual and perennial grasses and broad-leaved weeds, pre-harvest, in cereals, peas, beans, oilseed rape, flax and mustard, at 1.5-2 kg/ha; control of annual and perennial grasses and broad-leaved weeds in stubble and post-planting/pre-emergence of many crops; as a directed spray in vines and olives, at up to 4.3 kg/ha; in orchards, pasture, forestry and industrial weed control, at up to 4.3 kg/ha. As an aquatic herbicide, at 2 kg/ha.
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
For control of annual and perennial weeds, woody brush, and trees on over 150 crops. Use postdirected in tree and plantation crops, postemergence over Roundup Ready soybeans, and postharvest in fallow periods and noncropland.
Crop Protection Handbook Volume 100, Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, OH 2014, p. 339

11.1.1 Use Classification

Chemical Classes -> Pesticides (chemicals used for killing pests, such as rodents, insects, or plants)
Hazard Classes and Categories ->
Environmental transformation -> Pesticides (parent, predecessor)
S60 | SWISSPEST19 | Swiss Pesticides and Metabolites from Kiefer et al 2019 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3544759
Herbicides
S69 | LUXPEST | Pesticide Screening List for Luxembourg | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.3862688

11.1.2 Household Products

Household & Commercial/Institutional Products

Information on 9 consumer products that contain Glyphosate in the following categories is provided:

• Pesticides

Household & Commercial/Institutional Products

Information on 53 consumer products that contain Glyphosate, isopropylamine salt in the following categories is provided:

• Landscaping/Yard

• Pesticides

11.2 Methods of Manufacturing

Glyphosate is produced by heating a mixture of phosphorous acid and a-amino acetic acid, and then adding formaldehyde.
Muller F, Applebyki AP; Weed Control, 2. Individual Herbicides. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 7th ed. (1999-2014). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: September 15, 2010
Preparation: J. E. Franz, German patent 2152826; idem, United States of America patent 3799758 and United States of America patent 3853530 (1972, 1974, 1974 all to Monsanto).
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 834

11.3 Formulations / Preparations

The National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (NPIRS) identifies 42 companies with active labels for products containing the chemical glyphosate. To view the complete list of companies, product names and percent glyphosate in formulated products click the following url and enter the CAS Registry number in the Active Ingredient field.
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of September 30, 2014: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
Glyphosate Acid Technical (Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC): Active ingredient: glyphosate 88.0%.
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of September 30, 2014: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
Touchdown Herbicide (Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC): Active ingredient: glyphosate 28.3%.
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of September 30, 2014: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
Touchdown Ready-to-Use Herbicide (Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC): Active ingredient: glyphosate 0.81%.
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of September 30, 2014: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (32 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

11.4 General Manufacturing Information

The WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard identifies glyphosate (technical grade) as unlikely to present an acute hazard in normal use; Main Use: herbicide.
WHO International Programme on Chemical Safety; The WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard and Guidelines to Classification 2009 p.36 (2010)
Glyphosate is among the most widely used pesticides by volume. It ranked eleventh among conventional pesticides used in the U.S. during 1990- 91. In recent years, approximately 13 to 20 million acres were treated with 18.7 million pounds of glyphosate annually. The largest use sites include hay/pasture, soybeans and field corn. /Glyphosate and its salts/
USEPA/Office of Pesticide Programs; Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document - Glyphosate. EPA 738-R-93-014 September 1993. Available from, as of February 6, 2006: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
The glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl glycine) salts are nonselective herbicides and plant growth regulators.The techical sodium salt is a white crystalline solid which decomposes at 140 °C with a bulk density of 30 lb/ cu ft.
USEPA/Office of Pesticide Programs; Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document - Glyphosate. EPA 738-R-93-014 September 1993. Available from, as of February 6, 2006: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
Crop safety evident when applied prior to planting or after harvest or when directed applications made to tree and vine crops.
Spencer, E. Y. Guide to the Chemicals Used in Crop Protection. 7th ed. Publication 1093. Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada: Information Canada, 1982., p. 317
For more General Manufacturing Information (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12 Identification

12.1 Analytic Laboratory Methods

Method: OSHA PV2067; Procedure: high performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet detector; Analyte: glyphosate; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 1 ug/cu m.
U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Index of Sampling and Analytical Methods. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of October 2, 2014: https://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/toc.html
Method: Abraxis 500081; Procedure: immunoassay, magnetic particle; Analyte: glyphosate; Matrix: water (groundwater, surface water, well water); Detection Limit: 0.1 ppb.
National Environmental Methods Index; Analytical, Test and Sampling Methods. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of October 2, 2014: https://www.nemi.gov
Method: Abraxis 500086; Procedure: immunoassay, microtiter plate; Analyte: glyphosate; Matrix: water (groundwater, surface water, well water); Detection Limit: 0.1 ppb.
National Environmental Methods Index; Analytical, Test and Sampling Methods. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of October 2, 2014: https://www.nemi.gov
Method: AOAC 991.08; Procedure: high performance liquid chromatography with post column derivitization and fluorescence detection; Analyte: glyphosate; Matrix: ground water, drinking water, and surface water; Detection Limit: 25 ug/L.
National Environmental Methods Index; Analytical, Test and Sampling Methods. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). Available from, as of October 2, 2014: https://www.nemi.gov
For more Analytic Laboratory Methods (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12.2 Clinical Laboratory Methods

Glyphosate serum concentration greater than 1000 mg/L is associated with severe poisoning, although the relevance of this is debated since glyphosate is not thought to induce clinical toxicity itself. It might, however, be a reasonable biomarker of exposure to the product, but more research is required to explore this relationship.
Goldfrank, L.R., Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies 9th Ed. 2011., McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y., p. 1509

13 Safety and Hazards

13.1 Hazards Identification

13.1.1 GHS Classification

1 of 10
View All
Pictogram(s)
Irritant
Environmental Hazard
Signal
Warning
GHS Hazard Statements

H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H411 (100%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

Precautionary Statement Codes

P264, P270, P273, P301+P317, P330, P391, and P501

(The corresponding statement to each P-code can be found at the GHS Classification page.)

ECHA C&L Notifications Summary

Aggregated GHS information provided per 28 reports by companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown.

13.1.2 Hazard Classes and Categories

Acute Tox. 4 (100%)

Aquatic Chronic 2 (100%)

Eye Dam. 1 (99.7%)

Aquatic Chronic 2 (99.7%)

13.1.3 Health Hazards

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include irritation of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, convulsions and coma. It may also cause enhanced breathing.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is an irritant of the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and phosphorus oxides. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.1.4 Fire Hazards

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.

13.1.5 Hazards Summary

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in weed killer products such as RoundUp™. Glyphosate products are one of the most widely used weed killers worldwide in farms and in home gardens and lawns. These products typically contain glyphosate in combination with other ingredients that help improve the absorption of the glyphosate into the plant. Glyphosate-based formulations (GBFs) are easily bought in most stores. These products can have different combinations of other ingredients or different concentrations of glyphosate.
TLV Basis includes liver damage and cataract. [ACGIH TLVs and BEIs] An irritant to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract; [EPA Pesticides] The following herbicides have an oral LD50 of >1 gm/kg and have little or no acute toxicity in humans: Alachlor, Amitrole, Ammonium sulfamate, Atrazine, Dalapon, Dicamba, Glyphosphate, Monuron, Oryzalin, Picloram, Propanil, Simazine, etc. [LaDou, p. 613] A severe eye and mild skin irritant; [ICSC] It was found not to be a skin sensitizer after extensive investigation. [Kanerva, p. 782] In the AHS [Agricultural Health Study], there was no association between glyphosate exposure and NHL [non-Hodgkin lymphoma] . . . there is little evidence of biologic effects of glyphosate in humans; therefore, no clear biologic mechanism has been proposed. [Occupational Cancers, p. 505] There was no pattern of increasing risk of NHL overall with increasing years of use of glyphosate. [PMID 31246262] See Glyphosate isopropylamine salt.
ACGIH - Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs, 7th Ed. Cincinnati: ACGIH Worldwide, 2020. TLVs and BEIs
LaDou - LaDou J, Harrison R (eds). Current Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 5th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014., p. 613
Kanerva - Rustemeyer L, Elsner P, John SM, Maibach HI (eds). Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology, 2nd Ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 2012., p. 782
Occupational Cancers - Anttila S, Boffetta P (eds). Occupational Cancers. London: Springer-Verlag, 2014., p. 505

13.1.6 Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Irritations

Glyphosate in the formulated product can cause eye and skin irritation. /Formulated herbicide/
Sullivan, J.B., Krieger G.R. (eds). Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures. Second edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1999., p. 663
Concentrated solutions /of glyphosate/ can cause dermal irritation.
Sullivan, J.B., Krieger G.R. (eds). Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures. Second edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1999., p. 190
Some glyphosate end-use products are in Toxicity Categories I or II form primary eye irritation or skin irritation. In California, glyphosate ranks high among pesticides causing illness or injury to workers, who report numerous incidents of eye and skin irritation from splashes during mixing and loading.
USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Database for Glyphosate (38641-94-0). EPA 738-R-93-014 (September 1993). Available from, as of January 25, 2006: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm

13.2 Safety and Hazard Properties

13.2.1 Physical Dangers

Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc.

13.3 First Aid Measures

Inhalation First Aid
Fresh air, rest.
Skin First Aid
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eye First Aid
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion First Aid
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.

13.3.1 First Aid

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.4 Fire Fighting

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.

13.4.1 Fire Fighting Procedures

/To fight fire use/ powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
IPCS,CEC; International Chemical Safety Card on Glyphosate (April 2005). Available from, as of January 28, 2006: https://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0160.htm
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.4.2 Firefighting Hazards

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides (NOx), oxides of phosphorus.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc.
International Program on Chemical Safety/European Commission; International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC) on Glyphosate (1071-83-6), ICSC No. 0160 (Peer Review Status: April 19, 2005, Validated). Available from, as of February 2, 2015: https://www.inchem.org/pages/icsc.html

13.5 Accidental Release Measures

13.5.1 Isolation and Evacuation

Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

13.5.2 Spillage Disposal

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

13.5.3 Cleanup Methods

Sweep spilled substance into plastic containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
IPCS,CEC; International Chemical Safety Card on Glyphosate (April 2005). Available from, as of January 28, 2006: https://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0160.htm
If a spill occurs, clean it up promptly. Don't wash it away. Instead, sprinkle the spill with sawdust, vermiculite, or kitty litter. Sweep it into a plastic garbage bag, and dispose of it as directed on the pesticide product label.
USEPA/Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety p.20 (Septemper 1995) EPA 730-K-95-001
After Applying a Pesticide, Indoors or Outdoors. To remove pesticide residues, use a bucket to rinse tools or equipment three times, including any containers or utensils that you used when mixing the pesticide. Then pour the rinsewater into the pesticide sprayer and reuse the solution by applying it according to the pesticide product label directions. After applying any pesticide wash your hands and any other parts of your body that may have come in contact with the pesticide..To prevent tracking pesticides inside, remove or rinse your boots or shoes before entering your home. Wash any clothes that have been exposed to a lot of pesticide separately from your regular wash.
USEPA/Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety p.22 (Septemper 1995) EPA 730-K-95-001
Accidental Release Measures: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.5.4 Disposal Methods

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
Safe Disposal of Pesticides. The best way to dispose of small amounts of excess pesticides is to use them - apply them - according to the directions on the label. If you cannot use them, ask your neighbors whether they have a similar pest control problem and can use them. If all of the remaining pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency, or health department to find out whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program or a similar program for getting rid of unwanted, leftover pesticides. These authorities can also inform you of any local requirements for pesticide waste disposal.
USEPA/Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety p.24 (Septemper 1995) EPA 730-K-95-001
Safe Disposal of Pesticides. An empty pesticide container can be as hazardous as a full one because of residues left inside. Never reuse such a container. When empty, a pesticide container should be rinsed carefully three times and the rinsewater thoroughly drained back onto the sprayer or the container previously used to mix the pesticide. Use the rinsewater as a pesticide, following label directions. Replace the cap or closure securely. Dispose of the container according to label instructions. Do not puncture or burn a pressurized container like an aerosol - it could explode. Do cut or puncture other empty pesticide containers made of metal or plastic to prevent someone from reusing them. Wrap the empty container and put it in the trash after you have rinsed it.
USEPA/Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety p.25 (Septemper 1995) EPA 730-K-95-001
Waste treatment methods. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.5.5 Preventive Measures

Wear the items of protective clothing the label requires: for example, non-absorbent gloves (not leather or fabric), rubber footwear (not canvas or leather), a hat, goggles, or a dust-mist filter. If no specific clothing is listed, gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and closed shoes are recommended. You can buy protective clothing and equipment at hardware stores or building supply stores.
USEPA/Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety p.19 (Septemper 1995) EPA 730-K-95-001
Outdoor Applications. Never apply pesticides outdoors on a windy day (winds higher than 10 mph). Position yourself so that a light breeze does not blow pesticide spray or dust into your face.
USEPA/Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety p.21 (Septemper 1995) EPA 730-K-95-001
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Requirements. Any product whose labeling permits use in the production of an agricultural plant on any farm, forest, nursery or greenhouse must comply with the labeling requirements of: PR Notice 93-7, "Labeling Revisions Required by the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)," andPR Notice 93-11, "Supplemental Guidance for PR Notice 93-7." Unless specifically directed in the RED, all statements required by these two PR Notices must appear on product labeling exactly as instructed in the Notices. Labels /for glyphosate/ were required to/ be revised by April 21, 1994, for products distributed or sold by the primary registrant or supplementally registered distributors, and by October 23, 1995, for products distributed or sold by anyone.
USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Database for Glyphosate (38641-94-0). EPA 738-R-93-014 (September 1993). Available from, as of January 25, 2006: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.6 Handling and Storage

13.6.1 Nonfire Spill Response

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should protect this material from exposure to light, and store it under ambient temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.6.2 Safe Storage

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Do NOT store or transport in containers made from galvanized steel or unlined steel. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

13.6.3 Storage Conditions

Safe Storage of Pesticides. Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete with labels that list ingredients, directions for use, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning. Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, or medical supplies. Do not store pesticides in places where flooding is possible or in places where they might spill or leak into wells, drains, ground water, or surface water.
USEPA/Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety p.23 (Septemper 1995) EPA 730-K-95-001
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc.
International Program on Chemical Safety/European Commission; International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC) on Glyphosate (1071-83-6), ICSC No. 0160 (Peer Review Status: April 19, 2005, Validated). Available from, as of February 2, 2015: https://www.inchem.org/pages/icsc.html

13.7 Exposure Control and Personal Protection

13.7.1 Threshold Limit Values (TLV)

5.0 [mg/m3], inhalable particulate matter

13.7.2 Inhalation Risk

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly on spraying.

13.7.3 Effects of Short Term Exposure

The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin.

13.7.4 Allowable Tolerances

Tolerances are established for residues of glyphosate, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities listed below resulting from the application of glyphosate, the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, the ethanolamine salt of glyphosate, the dimethylamine salt of glyphosate, the ammonium salt of glyphosate, and the potassium salt of glyphosate. Compliance with the following tolerance levels is to be determined by measuring only glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine).
Commodity
Acerola
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Alfalfa, seed
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Almond, hulls
Parts per million
25
Commodity
Aloe vera
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Ambarella
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Animal feed, nongrass, group 18
Parts per million
400
Commodity
Artichoke, globe
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Asparagus
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Atemoya
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Avocado
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Bamboo, shoots
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Banana
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Barley, bran
Parts per million
30
Commodity
Beet, sugar, dried pulp
Parts per million
25
Commodity
Beet, sugar, roots
Parts per million
10
Commodity
Beet, sugar, tops
Parts per million
10
Commodity
Berry and small fruit, group 13-07
Parts per million
0.20
Commodity
Betelnut
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Biriba
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Blimbe
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Breadfruit
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Cacao bean, bean
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Cactus, fruit
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Cactus, pads
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Canistel
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Carrot
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Chaya
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Cherimoya
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Citrus, dried pulp
Parts per million
1.5
Commodity
Coconut
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Coffee, bean, green
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Corn, pop, grain
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husk removed
Parts per million
3.5
Commodity
Cotton, gin byproducts
Parts per million
210
Commodity
Custard apple
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Date, dried fruit
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Dokudami
Parts per million
2.0
Commodity
Durian
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Epazote
Parts per million
1.3
Commodity
Feijoa
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Fig
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Fish
Parts per million
0.25
Commodity
Fruit, citrus, group 10-10
Parts per million
0.50
Commodity
Fruit, pome, group 11-10
Parts per million
0.20
Commodity
Fruit, stone, group 12
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Galangal, roots
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Ginger, white, flower
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Gourd, buffalo, seed
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Governor's plum
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Gow kee, leaves
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Grain, cereal, forage, fodder and straw, group 16, except field corn, forage and field corn, stover
Parts per million
100
Commodity
Grain, cereal, group 15 except field corn, popcorn, rice, sweet corn, and wild rice
Parts per million
30
Commodity
Grass, forage, fodder and hay, group 17
Parts per million
300
Commodity
Guava
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Herbs subgroup 19A
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Hops, dried cones
Parts per million
7.0
Commodity
Ilama
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Imbe
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Imbu
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Jaboticaba
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Jackfruit
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Kava, roots
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Kenaf, forage
Parts per million
200
Commodity
Leucaena, forage
Parts per million
200
Commodity
Longan
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Lychee
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Mamey apple
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Mango
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Mangosteen
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Marmaladebox
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Mioga, flower
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Noni
Parts per million
0.20
Commodity
Nut, pine
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Nut, tree, group 14
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Oilseeds, group 20, except canola
Parts per million
40
Commodity
Okra
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Olive
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Oregano, Mexican, leaves
Parts per million
2.0
Commodity
Palm heart
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Palm heart, leaves
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Palm, oil
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Papaya
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Papaya, mountain
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Passionfruit
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Pawpaw
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Pea, dry
Parts per million
8.0
Commodity
Peanut
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Peanut, hay
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Pepper leaf, fresh leaves
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Peppermint, tops
Parts per million
200
Commodity
Perilla, tops
Parts per million
1.8
Commodity
Persimmon
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Pineapple
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Pistachio
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Pomegranate
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Pulasan
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Quinoa, grain
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Rambutan
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Rice, grain
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Rice, wild, grain
Parts per million
0.1
Commodity
Rose apple
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Sapodilla
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Sapote, black
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Sapote, mamey
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Sapote, white
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Shellfish
Parts per million
3.0
Commodity
Soursop
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Spanish lime
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Spearmint, tops
Parts per million
200
Commodity
Spice subgroup 19B
Parts per million
7.0
Commodity
Star apple
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Starfruit
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Stevia, dried leaves
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Sugar apple
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Sugarcane, cane
Parts per million
2.0
Commodity
Sugarcane, molasses
Parts per million
30
Commodity
Surinam cherry
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Sweet potato
Parts per million
3.0
Commodity
Tamarind
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Tea, dried
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Tea, instant
Parts per million
7.0
Commodity
Teff, forage
Parts per million
100
Commodity
Teff, grain
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Teff, hay
Parts per million
100
Commodity
Ti, leaves
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Ti, roots
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Ugli fruit
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Vegetable, bulb, group 3-07
Parts per million
0.20
Commodity
Vegetable, cucurbit, group 9
Parts per million
0.5
Commodity
Vegetable, foliage of legume, subgroup 7A, except soybean
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 (except okra)
Parts per million
0.10
Commodity
Vegetable, leafy, brassica, group 5
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Vegetable, leafy, except brassica, group 4
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Vegetable, leaves of root and tuber, group 2, except sugar beet tops
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Vegetable, legume, group 6 except soybean and dry pea
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Vegetables, root and tuber, group 1, except carrot, sweet potato, and sugar beet
Parts per million
0.20
Commodity
Wasabi, roots
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Water spinach, tops
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Watercress, upland
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Wax jambu
Parts per million
0.2
Commodity
Yacon, tuber
Parts per million
0.2
40 CFR 180.364 (a) (1) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of September 8, 2014: https://www.ecfr.gov
Tolerances are established for residues of glyphosate, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities listed below resulting from the application of glyphosate, the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, the ethanolamine salt of glyphosate, the dimethylamine salt of glyphosate, the ammonium salt of glyphosate, and the potassium salt of glyphosate. Compliance with the following tolerance levels is to be determined by measuring only glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) and its metabolite N-acetyl-glyphosate (N-acetyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine; calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of glyphosate).
Commodity
Canola, seed
Parts per million
20
Commodity
Cattle, meat byproducts
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Corn, field, forage
Parts per million
13
Commodity
Corn, field, grain
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Corn, field, stover
Parts per million
100
Commodity
Egg
Parts per million
0.05
Commodity
Goat, meat byproducts
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Grain aspirated fractions
Parts per million
310.0
Commodity
Hog, meat byproducts
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Horse, meat byproducts
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Poultry, meat
Parts per million
0.10
Commodity
Poultry, meat byproducts
Parts per million
1.0
Commodity
Sheep, meat byproducts
Parts per million
5.0
Commodity
Soybean, forage
Parts per million
100.0
Commodity
Soybean, hay
Parts per million
200.0
Commodity
Soybean, hulls
Parts per million
120.0
Commodity
Soybean, seed
Parts per million
20.0
40 CFR 180.364(a) (2) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of September 8, 2014: https://www.ecfr.gov

13.7.5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face particle respirator type N100 (US) or type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.7.6 Preventions

Fire Prevention
NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.
Exposure Prevention
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
Inhalation Prevention
Avoid inhalation of dust and mist.
Skin Prevention
Protective gloves.
Eye Prevention
Wear safety goggles.
Ingestion Prevention
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.

13.8 Stability and Reactivity

13.8.1 Air and Water Reactions

Slightly water soluble.

13.8.2 Reactive Group

Acids, Carboxylic

Amines, Phosphines, and Pyridines

Sulfonates, Phosphonates, and Thiophosphonates, Organic

13.8.3 Reactivity Profile

GLYPHOSATE may react with galvanized steel or unlined steel (except stainless steel) containers to produce hydrogen gas which may form a highly combustible or explosive gas mixture. It can react with caustic (basic) materials to liberate heat. It is corrosive to iron. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.8.4 Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, metals, bases.
Sigma-Aldrich; Material Safety Data Sheet for Glyphosate. Product Number: 45521, Version 5.1 (Revision Date 07/02/2014). Available from, as of October 8, 2014: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13.9 Transport Information

13.9.1 DOT Label

Class 9

13.9.2 Packaging and Labelling

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

13.9.3 EC Classification

Symbol: Xi, N; R: 41-51/53; S: (2)-26-39-61

13.10 Regulatory Information

California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Reportable Ingredient

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Nephrotoxicity and Other Toxicity to the Urinary System; Other Toxicological Hazard Traits

Authoritative List - CA MCLs; CWA 303(d); IARC Carcinogens - 2A; Prop 65

Report - regardless of intended function of ingredient in the product

Status Regulation (EC)
01/99/EC, 2010/77/EU, Reg. (EU) 2015/1885, Reg. (EU) 2016/1056, Reg. (EU) 2016/1313, Reg. (EU) 2017/2324, Reg. (EU) 2019/724, Reg. (EU) 2022/2364, Reg. (EU) 2023/2660, Reg. (EU) No 540/2011
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
Glyphosate: HSNO Approval: HSR003192 Approved with controls
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
Glyphosate trimesium: HSNO Approval: HSR003198 Approved with controls

13.10.1 Federal Drinking Water Standards

Maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for synthetic organic contaminants apply to community water systems and non-transient, non-community water systems: Glyphosate, MCL 0.7 mg/L.
40 CFR 141.61(c) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of September 8, 2014: https://www.ecfr.gov

13.10.2 Federal Drinking Water Guidelines

Maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for organic contaminants: Glyphosate, MCLG 0.7 mg/L.
40 CFR 141.50(b) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of September 8, 2014: https://www.ecfr.gov

13.10.3 State Drinking Water Guidelines

(AZ) ARIZONA 700 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present
(ME) MAINE 700 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present

13.10.4 FIFRA Requirements

Tolerances are established for residues of glyphosate, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities listed below resulting from the application of glyphosate, the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, the ethanolamine salt of glyphosate, the dimethylamine salt of glyphosate, the ammonium salt of glyphosate, and the potassium salt of glyphosate. Compliance with the following tolerance levels is to be determined by measuring only glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine).
Commodity
Acerola
Commodity
Alfalfa, seed
Commodity
Almond, hulls
Commodity
Aloe vera
Commodity
Ambarella
Commodity
Animal feed, nongrass, group 18
Commodity
Artichoke, globe
Commodity
Asparagus
Commodity
Atemoya
Commodity
Avocado
Commodity
Bamboo, shoots
Commodity
Banana
Commodity
Barley, bran
Commodity
Beet, sugar, dried pulp
Commodity
Beet, sugar, roots
Commodity
Beet, sugar, tops
Commodity
Berry and small fruit, group 13-07
Commodity
Betelnut
Commodity
Biriba
Commodity
Blimbe
Commodity
Breadfruit
Commodity
Cacao bean, bean
Commodity
Cactus, fruit
Commodity
Cactus, pads
Commodity
Canistel
Commodity
Carrot
Commodity
Chaya
Commodity
Cherimoya
Commodity
Citrus, dried pulp
Commodity
Coconut
Commodity
Coffee, bean, green
Commodity
Corn, pop, grain
Commodity
Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husk removed
Commodity
Cotton, gin byproducts
Commodity
Custard apple
Commodity
Date, dried fruit
Commodity
Dokudami
Commodity
Durian
Commodity
Epazote
Commodity
Feijoa
Commodity
Fig
Commodity
Fish
Commodity
Fruit, citrus, group 10-10
Commodity
Fruit, pome, group 11-10
Commodity
Fruit, stone, group 12
Commodity
Galangal, roots
Commodity
Ginger, white, flower
Commodity
Gourd, buffalo, seed
Commodity
Governor's plum
Commodity
Gow kee, leaves
Commodity
Grain, cereal, forage, fodder and straw, group 16, except field corn, forage and field corn, stover
Commodity
Grain, cereal, group 15 except field corn, popcorn, rice, sweet corn, and wild rice
Commodity
Grass, forage, fodder and hay, group 17
Commodity
Guava
Commodity
Herbs subgroup 19A
Commodity
Hops, dried cones
Commodity
Ilama
Commodity
Imbe
Commodity
Imbu
Commodity
Jaboticaba
Commodity
Jackfruit
Commodity
Kava, roots
Commodity
Kenaf, forage
Commodity
Leucaena, forage
Commodity
Longan
Commodity
Lychee
Commodity
Mamey apple
Commodity
Mango
Commodity
Mangosteen
Commodity
Marmaladebox
Commodity
Mioga, flower
Commodity
Noni
Commodity
Nut, pine
Commodity
Nut, tree, group 14
Commodity
Oilseeds, group 20, except canola
Commodity
Okra
Commodity
Olive
Commodity
Oregano, Mexican, leaves
Commodity
Palm heart
Commodity
Palm heart, leaves
Commodity
Palm, oil
Commodity
Papaya
Commodity
Papaya, mountain
Commodity
Passionfruit
Commodity
Pawpaw
Commodity
Pea, dry
Commodity
Peanut
Commodity
Peanut, hay
Commodity
Pepper leaf, fresh leaves
Commodity
Peppermint, tops
Commodity
Perilla, tops
Commodity
Persimmon
Commodity
Pineapple
Commodity
Pistachio
Commodity
Pomegranate
Commodity
Pulasan
Commodity
Quinoa, grain
Commodity
Rambutan
Commodity
Rice, grain
Commodity
Rice, wild, grain
Commodity
Rose apple
Commodity
Sapodilla
Commodity
Sapote, black
Commodity
Sapote, mamey
Commodity
Sapote, white
Commodity
Shellfish
Commodity
Soursop
Commodity
Spanish lime
Commodity
Spearmint, tops
Commodity
Spice subgroup 19B
Commodity
Star apple
Commodity
Starfruit
Commodity
Stevia, dried leaves
Commodity
Sugar apple
Commodity
Sugarcane, cane
Commodity
Sugarcane, molasses
Commodity
Surinam cherry
Commodity
Sweet potato
Commodity
Tamarind
Commodity
Tea, dried
Commodity
Tea, instant
Commodity
Teff, forage
Commodity
Teff, grain
Commodity
Teff, hay
Commodity
Ti, leaves
Commodity
Ti, roots
Commodity
Ugli fruit
Commodity
Vegetable, bulb, group 3-07
Commodity
Vegetable, cucurbit, group 9
Commodity
Vegetable, foliage of legume, subgroup 7A, except soybean
Commodity
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 (except okra)
Commodity
Vegetable, leafy, brassica, group 5
Commodity
Vegetable, leafy, except brassica, group 4
Commodity
Vegetable, leaves of root and tuber, group 2, except sugar beet tops
Commodity
Vegetable, legume, group 6 except soybean and dry pea
Commodity
Vegetables, root and tuber, group 1, except carrot, sweet potato, and sugar beet
Commodity
Wasabi, roots
Commodity
Water spinach, tops
Commodity
Watercress, upland
Commodity
Wax jambu
Commodity
Yacon, tuber
40 CFR 180.364 (a) (1) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of September 8, 2014: https://www.ecfr.gov
Tolerances are established for residues of glyphosate, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities listed below resulting from the application of glyphosate, the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, the ethanolamine salt of glyphosate, the dimethylamine salt of glyphosate, the ammonium salt of glyphosate, and the potassium salt of glyphosate. Compliance with the following tolerance levels is to be determined by measuring only glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) and its metabolite N-acetyl-glyphosate (N-acetyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine; calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of glyphosate).
Commodity
Canola, seed
Commodity
Cattle, meat byproducts
Commodity
Corn, field, forage
Commodity
Corn, field, grain
Commodity
Corn, field, stover
Commodity
Egg
Commodity
Goat, meat byproducts
Commodity
Grain aspirated fractions
Commodity
Hog, meat byproducts
Commodity
Horse, meat byproducts
Commodity
Poultry, meat
Commodity
Poultry, meat byproducts
Commodity
Sheep, meat byproducts
Commodity
Soybean, forage
Commodity
Soybean, hay
Commodity
Soybean, hulls
Commodity
Soybean, seed
40 CFR 180.364(a) (2) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of September 8, 2014: https://www.ecfr.gov
The Agency made its reregistration eligibility determination based upon the target data base required for reregistration, the current guidelines for conducting acceptable studies to generate such data and the data identified in Appendix B. Although the Agency has found that all uses of glyphosate (isopropylamine and sodium salt formulations) are eligible for reregistration, it should be understood that the Agency may take appropriate regulatory action, and/or require the submission of additional data to support the registration of products containing glyphosate, if new information comes to the Agency's attention or if the data requirements for registration (or the guidelines for generating such data) change. ... Based on the reviews of the generic data for the active ingredient glyphosate, the Agency has sufficient information on the health effects of glyphosate and on its potential for causing adverse effects in fish and wildlife and the environment. The Agency concludes that products containing glyphosate for all uses are eligible for reregistration. The Agency has determined that glyphosate products, labeled and used as specified in this Reregistration Eligibility Document, will not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or the environment.
USEPA/Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document for Glyphosate p.57 EPA 738-R-93-014 (September 1993). Available from, as of October 1, 2014: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer safety standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Glyphosphate is found on List A, which contains most food use pesticides and consists of the 194 chemical cases (or 350 individual active ingredients) for which EPA issued registration standards prior to FIFRA, as amended in 1988. Case No: 0178; Pesticide type: herbicide (growth regulator); Registration Standard Date: 06/01/86; Case Status: RED Approved 09/93; OPP has made a decision that some/all uses of the pesticide are eligible for reregistration, as reflected in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.; Active ingredient (AI): isopropylamine glyphosate; Data Call-in (DCI) Date(s): 01/24/94, 02/16/94; AI Status: OPP has completed a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document for the case/AI.
United States Environmental Protection Agency/ Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration, and Special Review. (1998) EPA 738-R-98-002, p. 123

13.11 Other Safety Information

Chemical Assessment

IMAP assessments - Glycine, N-(phosphonomethyl)-: Human health tier I assessment

IMAP assessments - Glycine, N-(phosphonomethyl)-: Environment tier I assessment

13.11.1 Special Reports

DHHS/NTP; NTP Technical Report on Toxicity Studies of Glyphosate Administered in Dosed Feed to F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (NTP Tox 16) (1992)[Available from, as of April 4, 2003: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/ST_rpts/tox016.pdf]
USEPA/Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document - Glyphosate, EPA 738-R-93-014 (September 1993). The RED summarizes the risk assessment conclusions and outlines any risk reduction measures necessary for the pesticide /including isopropylamine and sodium salt formulations/ to continue to be registered in the U.S.[Available from, as of October 1, 2014: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm]
WHO; Environ Health Criteria 159: Glyphosate (1994)[Available from, as of March 15, 2006: http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc159.htm]

14 Toxicity

14.1 Toxicological Information

14.1.1 Toxicity Summary

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Glyphosate is an odorless white solid. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide registered for use on many food and non-food field crops as well as non-crop areas where total vegetation control is desired. When applied at lower rates, glyphosate is also a plant growth regulator. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Glyphosate is an active ingredient of the most widely used herbicide and it is believed to be less toxic than other pesticides. However, several studies showed its potential adverse health effects to humans as it may be an endocrine disruptor. Concentrated solutions of glyphosate can also cause dermal irritation. Most intoxicated cases are from ingestion, inhalation, and skin exposure. Pulmonary edema, shock, and arrhythmia were the reported causes of mortality. Ingestion of glyphosate-surfactant herbicides can result in acute kidney injury, electrolyte abnormalities, acidosis, cardiovascular collapse, and death. In severe toxicity, the use of hemodialysis is reported, but largely unsupported by kinetic analysis. Commercial formulations were more cytotoxic than the active component alone, supporting the concept that additives in commercial formulations play a role in the toxicity attributed to glyphosate-based herbicides. Glyphosate was found nongenotoxic in human lymphocytes with or without metabolic activation. However it induced micronuclei formation and DNA damage in a buccal epithelial cell line (TR146). In addition, glyphosate was toxic to human placental JEG3 cells. ANIMAL STUDIES: Glyphosate did not produce dermal sensitization in guinea pigs. It produced moderate to severe eye irritation in rabbits. In a 13-week study with glyphosate administration, lesions of the salivary glands were found in rats and mice. A study in a 2-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model and proteomic analysis suggested that glyphosate has tumor promoting potential in skin carcinogenesis. Studies in rats and rabbits indicated that technical glyphosate is not teratogenic. In the first /multigenerational/ study, the only effect noted was an increased incidence of unilateral renal tubular dilation in F3b male pups at 30 mg/kg body weight. Maternal exposure to glyphosate disturbed the masculinization process in the offsping and promoted behavioral changes and histological and endocrine problems in reproductive parameters. These changes associated with the hypersecretion of androgens increased gonadal activity and sperm production. The entire body of the developmental toxicity data reviewed fails to support a potential risk for increased cardiovascular defects as a result of glyphosate exposure during pregnancy. A broad array of in vitro and in vivo assays has consistently demonstrated that glyphosate and glyphosate-containing herbicide formulations are not genotoxic. Occasionally, however, related and contradictory data are reported, including findings of mouse liver and kidney DNA adducts and damage following intraperitoneal (ip) injection. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Gene expression data (mRNA levels) suggests that glyphosate-based herbicides have the potential to alter hormonal pathways during tadpole development. Roundup exposure had negative impact on the immune system of European sea bass. Roundup at environmentally relevant concentrations has lethal and genotoxic impact on the Indian skittering frog. Roundup also altered normal histology of the studied organs and caused a significant decrease in the number of copulations and mating success in male fish exposed to the herbicide in the neotropical native fish, Jenynsia multidentata.

14.1.2 EPA IRIS Information

Substance
Toxicity Summary
EPA IRIS Summary PDF (Update: Oct-01-1989 )
Critical Effect Systems

Developmental

Urinary

Reference Dose (RfD), chronic
1 x 10 ^-1 mg/kg-day

14.1.3 RAIS Toxicity Values

1 of 2
Oral Acute Reference Dose (RfDoa)(mg/kg-day)
1
Oral Acute Reference Dose Reference
ATSDR Final
Oral Chronic Reference Dose (RfDoc) (mg/kg-day)
0.1
Oral Chronic Reference Dose Reference
IRIS Current
Oral Subchronic Chronic Reference Dose (RfDos) (mg/kg-day)
1
Oral Subchronic Chronic Reference Dose Reference
ATSDR Final
Short-term Oral Reference Dose (RfDot) (mg/kg-day)
1
Short-term Oral Reference Dose Reference
ATSDR Final
2 of 2
Oral Acute Reference Dose (RfDoa)(mg/kg-day)
0.33
Oral Acute Reference Dose Reference
OPP
Oral Chronic Reference Dose (RfDoc) (mg/kg-day)
0.083
Oral Chronic Reference Dose Reference
OPP

14.1.4 EPA Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides

Acute or One Day PAD (RfD) [mg/kg/day]
0.33
Acute or One Day HHBPs [ppb]
2200
Acute HHBP Sensitive Lifestage/Population
Children
Chronic or One Day PAD (RfD) [mg/kg/day]
0.083
Chronic or One Day HHBPs [ppb]
490
Chronic HHBP Sensitive Lifestage/Population
General Population

14.1.5 USGS Health-Based Screening Levels for Evaluating Water-Quality

Chemical
Glyphosate
USGS Parameter Code
62722
Chemical Classes
Pesticide
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Levels)[μg/L]
700
Reference
Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

14.1.6 Evidence for Carcinogenicity

Classification - D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. Basis - Inadequate evidence for oncogenicity in animals. Glyphosate was originally classified as C, possible human carcinogen, on the basis of increased incidence of renal tumors in mice. Following independent review of the slides the classification was changed to D on the basis of a lack of statistical significance and uncertainty as to a treatment-related effect.
EPA; Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Glyphosate (CAS 1071-83-6), Revised Oct 1993; Available from, as of November 19, 2014: https://www.epa.gov/iris/
The herbicide glyphosate and the insecticides malathion and diazinon were classified as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). For the herbicide glyphosate, there was limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The evidence in humans is from studies of exposures, mostly agricultural, in the USA, Canada, and Sweden published since 2001. In addition, there is convincing evidence that glyphosate also can cause cancer in laboratory animals. On the basis of tumours in mice, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) originally classified glyphosate as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group C) in 1985. After a re-evaluation of that mouse study, the US EPA changed its classification to evidence of non-carcinogenicity in humans (Group E) in 1991. The US EPA Scientific Advisory Panel noted that the re-evaluated glyphosate results were still significant using two statistical tests recommended in the IARC Preamble. The IARC Working Group that conducted the evaluation considered the significant findings from the US EPA report and several more recent positive results in concluding that there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. Glyphosate also caused DNA and chromosomal damage in human cells, although it gave negative results in tests using bacteria. One study in community residents reported increases in blood markers of chromosomal damage (micronuclei) after glyphosate formulations were sprayed nearby.
WHO; IARC Monographs Volume 112: evaluation of five organophosphate insecticides and herbicides (March 20, 2015); Available from, as of March 23, 2015: https://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/iarcnews/pdf/MonographVolume112.pdf

14.1.7 Carcinogen Classification

IARC Carcinogenic Agent
Glyphosate
IARC Carcinogenic Classes
Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
IARC Monographs
Volume 112: (2017) Some Organophosphate Insecticides and Herbicides

14.1.8 Symptoms

Inhalation Exposure
Cough.
Skin Exposure
Redness.
Eye Exposure
Redness. Pain.
Ingestion Exposure
Burning sensation in the throat and chest.

14.1.9 Target Organs

Body Weight, Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hepatic (Liver), Ocular (Eyes), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Developmental

Urinary

14.1.11 Adverse Effects

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

IARC Carcinogen - Class 2: International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies chemicals as probable (2a), or possible (2b) human carcinogens.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

14.1.12 Acute Effects

14.1.13 Interactions

/This study/ investigated whether glyphosate influences the cellular toxicity of the surfactants TN-20 and LN-10 on the mouse fibroblast-like cells, alveolar epithelial cells, and a heart cell line. The cytotoxicity of TN-20 and LN-10 (0.4-100 uM), in the presence or absence of glyphosate was determined by assessing membrane integrity. TN-20 toxicity was significantly lower in the presence of 50 uM glyphosate for the fibroblast-like cell (6.25 uM; 3.9% +/- 3.4% vs -4.8%+/-0.7%), for the alveolar cells (0.78 uM; 5.7% +/- 0.9% vs 0.1% +/- 0.6%), and for the heart cell line (25.0 uM; 7.9% +/-3.0% vs 19.4% +/- 0.7%) compared to that of TN-20 alone. The cellular toxicity of LN-10 towards the fibroblast-like cells was found to be increased in the presence of 50 uM glyphosate when LN-10 concentrations of 50 uM (31.3% +/- 3.9% vs 19.2% +/-0.9%) and 100 uM (62.1% +/- 3.4% vs 39.0% +/- 0.7%) were compared to that of LN-10 alone. These results suggest that the mixture toxicity may be a factor in glyphosate-surfactant toxicity in patients with acute glyphosate herbicide intoxication.
Song HY et al; J Korean Med Sci 27 (7): 711-5 (2012)
Glyphosate, a common herbicide, is not toxic under normal exposure circumstances. However, this chemical, when combined with a surfactant, is cytotoxic. In this study, the mechanism of the additive effect of glyphosate and TN-20, a common surfactant in glyphosate herbicides, was investigated. After exposure of rat H9c2 cells to glyphosate and TN-20 mixtures, following assays were performed: flow cytometry to determine the proportion of cells that underwent apoptosis and necrosis; western blotting to determine expression of mitochondrial proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax); immunological methods to evaluate translocation of cytochrome C; luminometric measurements to determine activity of caspases 3/7 and 9; and tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester assay to measure mitochondrial membrane potentials. Bcl-1 intensity decreased while Bax intensity increased with exposure to increasing TN-20 and/or glyphosate concentrations. Caspase activity increased and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased only when the cells were exposed to a mixture of both TN-20 and glyphosate, but not after exposure to either one of these compounds. The results support the possibility that mixtures of glyphosate and TN-20 aggravate mitochondrial damage and induce apoptosis and necrosis. Throughout this process, TN-20 seems to disrupt the integrity of the cellular barrier to glyphosate uptake, promoting glyphosate-mediated toxicity.
Kim YH et al; Toxicol In Vitro 27 (1): 191-7 (2013)

14.1.14 Antidote and Emergency Treatment

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Glyphosate (Roundup) and Related Compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 358
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . Monitor body temperature and treat if necessary. Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Glyphosate (Roundup) and Related Compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 358-9
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor and treat cardiac arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's(LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Glyphosate (Roundup) and Related Compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 359
EXPERIMENTAL: BACKGROUND: Although glyphosate intoxication has been considered minimally toxic in animals, severe toxicity has been observed in humans due to surfactant. /This study/ aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effects of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) on the patients with acute glyphosate intoxication. METHODS: This study enrolled 64 glyphosate-intoxicated patients with allocation to two groups: those treated with ILE (ILE group, n = 22), and control patients treated with only supportive (conservative) care. Control patients were selected by matching for the amount ingested and time since ingestion. Twenty-two control patients were separately selected from the 42 patients receiving supportive care only. In ILE group, 20% lipid emulsion product was injected intravenously ... for the patients who ingested less than 100 mL of glyphosate. In the patients who ingested more than 100 mL of glyphosate, the loading dose was ... according to the status of the patients, followed by a maintenance dose ... for the next 24 hr. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received high dose of ILE because the ingestion amount was more than 100 ml. None of the ILE group suffered from the complication of hypotension, while approximately 41% of the control group developed the complication. Additionally, arrhythmia was not observed in the ILE group. The incidence of mental change, respiratory failure, and acute kidney injury was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: ILE administration was associated with lower incidence of hypotension and arrhythmia in patients with acute glyphosate intoxication. ILE administration seems to be an effective treatment modality in patients who ingested sufficient amount of glyphosate herbicide that is expected to bring about significant toxicity.
Gil HW et al; Clin Toxicol (Phila) 51 (8): 767-71 (2013)
For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.15 Medical Surveillance

Glyphosate serum concentration greater than 1000 mg/L is associated with severe poisoning, although the relevance of this is debated since glyphosate is not thought to induce clinical toxicity itself. It might, however, be a reasonable biomarker of exposure to the product, but more research is required to explore this relationship.
Goldfrank, L.R., Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies 9th Ed. 2011., McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y., p. 1509

14.1.16 Human Toxicity Excerpts

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A reasonable dose-effect relationship was established ... /The data suggested/ the volume(s) of formulation (concentrate) ingested causing asymptomatic, mild, moderate or severe poisoning in humans to be 17, 58, 128 and 184 mL, respectively. This could be converted to glyphosate concentrations of 87, 298, 658, and 946 mg/kg based on the formulation containing 360 g/L of free glyphosate and a 70-kg body weight.
Klaassen, C.D. (ed). Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. The Basic Science of Poisons. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 795
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Concentrated solutions /of glyphosate/ can cause dermal irritation.
Sullivan, J.B., Krieger G.R. (eds). Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures. Second edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1999., p. 190
/CASE REPORTS/ INTRODUCTION: Glyphosate-surfactant herbicide (GlySH) is widely used as a non-selective herbicide. Most intoxicated cases are from ingestion, inhalation, and skin exposure. Intramuscular injection of GlySH has never been reported. /This study presents/ a case of GlySH intoxication via intramuscular injection. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old woman came to the emergency department complaining of painful swelling of left upper limb for 12 hr. She had performed an intramuscular injection of 6 mL of GlySH over the lateral aspect of the left elbow 15 h previously. Physical examination disclosed painful swelling over left distal arm, elbow, and forearm with three needle punctures. CT scan revealed ill-defined areas of heterogeneous high density with marked swelling at subcutaneous tissue over posterior aspect of the elbow. DISCUSSION: The mechanism of toxicity of GlySH is complicated and surfactant was thought to play an important role in GlySH intoxication. Intramuscular GlySH poisoning is different from oral GlySH intoxication. Care should be taken when monitoring acute rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome, which may develop rapidly and contribute to the surfactant component of glyphosate formulation.
Weng SF et al; Clin Toxicol (Phila) 46 (9): 890-1 (2008)
/CASE REPORTS/ Glyphosate-surfactant (GlySH) is a commonly used herbicide that has been used in attempted suicide. Most reports of GlySH toxicity in patients have followed ingestion of the commercial product "Round-up" (Monsanto Ltd; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), which consists of a mixture of glyphosate (as a isopropylamine salt) and a surfactant (polyoxyethyleneamine). Ingestion of Round-up is reported to cause significant toxicity including nausea, vomiting, oral and abdominal pain. Renal and hepatic impairment and pulmonary edema may also occur. Impaired consciousness and encephalopathy have been reported as sequelae but there are limited data on the central nervous system (CNS) effects of Round-up toxicity. /In this case/ report a 71-year-old male who attempted suicide with GlySH and developed a prolonged but reversible encephalopathy suggestive of acute CNS toxicity.
Malhotra RC et al; J Clin Neurosci 17 (11): 1472-3 (2010)
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (35 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.17 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A study was undertaken by /researchers/ to investigate the effects of glyphosate, surfactant, and their combination in Roundup on cardiovascular function in female beagles. /The study/ found that glyphosate alone at plasma levels ranging from 923 to 3,450 mg/litre, which simulates the human ingestion situation, were shown to increase the myocardial contractility. The surfactant alone considerably reduced the cardiac output, the left ventricular stroke work index and the mean arterial pressure. The joint effect of both glyphosate and the surfactant in Roundup formulation resulted in cardiac depression, which was mostly due to the surfactant since glyphosate itself increased myocardial contractility. The /results/ indicated that the probable cause of the observed increases in pulmonary vascular resistance index and pulmonary artery pressure was a direct vasoactive effect of glyphosate on the pulmonary artery.
WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 159, Glyphosate, (1994). Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Glyphosate did not produce dermal sensitization in guinea pigs.
Krieger, R. (ed.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 2, 2nd ed. 2001. Academic Press, San Diego, California., p. 1668
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ /Glyphosate/ administration to /the/ conjunctival sac of one eye of rabbits /produced/ moderate to severe ocular irritation in all animals. One rabbit died study day 20; not treatment related. Scoring per Draize method at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours and days 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. Irritation persisted in 4/5 remaining animals at day 21.
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2000 CD-ROM edition). Available from, as of January 27, 2006: https://ecb.jrc.it/IUCLID-Data-Sheet/1071836.pdf
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Pesticides are the main environmental factor associated with the etiology of human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. /Research/ has previously demonstrated that the treatment of rats with low doses of dimethoate, zineb or glyphosate alone or in combination induces oxidative stress (OS) in liver and brain. The aim of the present work was to investigate if the pesticide-induced OS was able to affect brain and liver cell survival. The treatment of Wistar rats with the pesticides (i.p. 1/250 LD50, three times a week for 5 weeks) caused loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and cardiolipin content, especially in substantia nigra (SN), with a concomitant increase of fatty acid peroxidation. The activation of calpain apoptotic cascade (instead of the caspase-dependent pathway) would be responsible for the DNA fragmentation pattern observed. Thus, these results may contribute to understand the effect(s) of chronic and simultaneous exposure to pesticides on cell survival.
Astiz M et al; Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 72 (7): 2025-32 (2009)
For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (54 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.18 Non-Human Toxicity Values

LD50 Rabbit percutaneous >5000 mg/kg
Tomlin CDS, ed. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). In: The e-Pesticide Manual, 13th Edition Version 3.2 (2005-06). Surrey UK, British Crop Protection Council.
LC50 Rat inhalation >4.98 mg/L air/4 hr
Tomlin CDS, ed. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). In: The e-Pesticide Manual, 13th Edition Version 3.2 (2005-06). Surrey UK, British Crop Protection Council.
LD50 Goat oral 3530 mg/kg
Tomlin CDS, ed. Glyphosate (1071-83-6). In: The e-Pesticide Manual, 13th Edition Version 3.2 (2005-06). Surrey UK, British Crop Protection Council.
LD50 Mouse oral 1568 mg/kg
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 834
For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.19 Ongoing Test Status

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from, as of October 1, 2014: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=1071-83-6]

14.1.20 National Toxicology Program Studies

... B6C3F1 mice were administered 3125, 6250, 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm glyphosate in their diet for 13 weeks. ... Glyphosate mutagenicity was evaluated in the Ames/Salmonella assay with or without S9 metabolic activation and by the mouse peripheral blood micronucleus test. ... Glyphosate was not mutagenic.
NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Glyphosate p.55 Report #16 (1992) NIH Pub #92-3135
The salivary gland lesions could also be induced in rats by 14-day exposure at feed levels of 50 000 mg/kg diet. The salivary glands lesions induced by glyphosate were similar to those which could be induced by exposure to high subcutaneous doses of the /nonselective/ beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and could be partially ameliorated with the beta-adrenergic antagonist propanolol. This indicates that glyphosate may induce the salivary gland lesions by acting as a weak adrenergic agonist.
DHHS/NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Glyphosate p.55 (1992). Technical Report #16. NIH Pub #92-3135. Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov
Ten F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were administered 3125, 6250, 12,500, 25,000, or 50,000 ppm glyphosate in their diet for 13 weeks. Surviving animals were killed at the end of the study and necropsied. Blood samples were collected from the rats at necropsy to determine hematological and serum chemistry parameters. ... All rats survived until the end of the study. Glyphosate doses of 12,500 ppm or higher caused slight increases in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Serum bile acid concentrations and alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities were significantly increased. One mouse treated with 50,000 ppm died. The major pathological change induced by glyphosate was a dose related increase in basophilic changes and hypertrophy of acinar cells (cytoplasmic alterations) in the parotid and submandibular salivary glands of rats and the parotid salivary glands in mice. All doses caused these changes in rats. In mice, doses of 6250 ppm or higher caused these effects. No histopathological changes were seen in the liver...
DHHS/NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Glyphosate p.55 (1992). Technical Report #16. NIH Pub #92-3135. Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov

14.2 Ecological Information

14.2.1 EPA Ecotoxicity

Pesticide Ecotoxicity Data from EPA

14.2.2 Ecotoxicity Values

LC50; Species: /Oncorhynchus mykiss/ (Rainbow trout) weight 0.8 g; Conditions: static bioassay without aeration, 12 °C, pH 7.2-7.5, water hardness 40-50 mg/L as calcium carbonate and alkalinity of 30-35 mg/L Concentration: 130 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 108-156 mg/L) /Technical material, 96.7%/
U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Handbook of Acute Toxicity of Chemicals to Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates. Resource Publication No. 137. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980., p. 43
LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow) weight 0.6 g; Conditions: static bioassay without aeration, 20 °C, pH 7.2-7.5, water hardness 40-50 mg/L as calcium carbonate and alkalinity of 30-35 mg/L; Concentration: 97 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 79-120 mg/L) /Technical material, 96.7%/
U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Handbook of Acute Toxicity of Chemicals to Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates. Resource Publication No. 137. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980., p. 43
LC50; Species: Ictalurus punctatus (Channel catfish) weight 2.2 g; Conditions: static bioassay without aeration, 22 °C, pH 7.2-7.5, water hardness 40-50 mg/L as calcium carbonate and alkalinity of 30-35 mg/L; Concentration: 130 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 108-156 mg/L) /Technical material, 96.7%/
U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Handbook of Acute Toxicity of Chemicals to Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates. Resource Publication No. 137. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980., p. 43
LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill) weight 0.9 g; Conditions: static bioassay without aeration, 22 °C, pH 7.2-7.5, water hardness 40-50 mg/L as calcium carbonate and alkalinity of 30-35 mg/L; Concentration: 135 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval 113-162 mg/L) /Technical material, 96.7%/
U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Handbook of Acute Toxicity of Chemicals to Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates. Resource Publication No. 137. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980., p. 43
For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (50 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.2.3 Ecotoxicity Excerpts

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ Male marsupials (Sminthopsis macroura) showed significant body weight loss after exposure to feed contaminated with concentrations of up to 5000 mg a.i/kg feed. No other treatment-related effects were found in the male marsupials.
WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 159, Glyphosate, (1994). Available from, as of November 10, 2014: https://www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html
/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ No subchronic toxicity or effects on reproduction were noted when glyphosate technical was fed to Bobwhite quail for 22 weeks at dose levels up to 1000 ppm. Several deaths occurred during the course of the study, but these did not follow a dose related trend and were not considered related to treatment. There were no treatment-related effects on behavior, body weight or food consumption of adult birds. The numbers of eggs laid, eggs cracked, viable embryos, live 3-week embryos, normal hatchlings, and 14-day survivors, as well as egg shell thickness hatchling body weight and 14-day hatchling body weight were unaffected by treatment with glyphosate. A statistically significant reduction in egg weight occurred at 1000 ppm. However, no effect was noted in the reproductive success of adults, chick body weight gain or survivability at this dose level. Therefore, the reduced egg weight was not considered toxicologically significant.
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2000 CD-ROM edition). Available from, as of January 27, 2006: https://ecb.jrc.it/IUCLID-Data-Sheet/1071836.pdf
/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ Five zebra finches, Poephila guttata (Gould), allowed unrestricted access to seed containing 5,000 ug glyphosate/g all died in 3 to 7 days, but they may well have died from starvation since their food consumption was drastically reduced. Six finches survived after ingesting seed containing 2,500 ug glyphosate/g for 5 days. The marsupial Sminthopsis macroura (Gould), and two species of hopping-mouse, Notomys alexis Thomas and Notomys mitchelli (Ogilby) (N = 5 controls and 5 treated, for each species) survived on a diet in which the concentration of glyphosate was increased from 625 ug/g to 5,000 ug/g by doubling the concentration of glyphosate in the food every few days during a 23-day period. The only toxic effect observed in the mammals was a marked body weight loss in the treated N. alexis. The data indicate that glyphosate for these four species is in the probably not toxic to slightly toxic category for rating the relative acute toxicity of chemicals.
Evans DD, Batty MJ; Environ Toxicol Chem 5 (4): 399-401 (1986)
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The spraying of coca (Erythroxylum coca) with glyphosate in Colombia has raised concerns about possible impacts on amphibians. There are few toxicity data for species other than those from temperate regions, and these have not been generated with the combination of formulated glyphosate (Glyphos) and the adjuvant, Cosmo-Flux (coca mix) as used in coca control in Colombia. In order to characterize toxicity of the spray mixture to frogs from Colombia, Gosner stage-25 tadpoles of Scinax ruber, Dendropophus microcephalus, Hypsiboas crepitans, Rhinella granulosa, Rhinella marina, Rhinella typhonius, Centrolene prosoblepon, and Engystomops pustulosus were exposed to the coca mix at concentrations of glyphosate ranging from 1 to 4.2 mg a.e./L diluted in dechlorinated tap water in glass containers. Cosmo-Flux was added to Glyphos in the proportion of 2.3% v/v, as used in aerial application for coca control. Exposures were for 96 hr at 23 +/- 1.5 degrees C with 12:12-hr light/dark cycle. Test solutions were renewed every 24 hr. Concentrations, measured within the first hour and at 24 and 96 hr using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Abraxis, LLC), ranged from 70 to 130% of nominal values. LC50 values ranged from 1200 to 2780 ug glyphosate acid equivalents (a.e.)/L for the 8 species tested. Data suggest that sensitivity to Roundup-type formulations of glyphosate in these species is similar to that observed in other tropical and temperate species. In addition, sensitivity of larval amphibians to Roundup-type formulations spans a relatively narrow range. Finally, toxicity of the mixture as used to spray coca was likely driven by the surfactant in the glyphosate formulation, as the addition of Cosmo-Flux did not enhance toxicity above those reported for Vision = Roundup. /Formulation/
Bernal MH et al; J Toxicol Environ Health 72 (15-16): 961-5 (2009)
For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (43 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.2.4 US EPA Regional Screening Levels for Chemical Contaminants

Resident Soil (mg/kg)
6.30e+03
Industrial Soil (mg/kg)
8.20e+04
Tapwater (ug/L)
2.00e+03
MCL (ug/L)
7.00e+02
Risk-based SSL (mg/kg)
8.80e+00
MCL-based SSL (mg/kg)
3.10e+00
Chronic Oral Reference Dose (mg/kg-day)
1.00e-01
Volatile
Volatile
Mutagen
Mutagen
Fraction of Contaminant Absorbed in Gastrointestinal Tract
1
Fraction of Contaminant Absorbed Dermally from Soil
0.1

14.2.5 US EPA Regional Removal Management Levels for Chemical Contaminants

Resident Soil (mg/kg)
1.90e+04
Industrial Soil (mg/kg)
2.50e+05
Tapwater (ug/L)
6.00e+03
MCL (ug/L)
7.00e+02
Chronic Oral Reference Dose (mg/kg-day)
1.00e-01
Volatile
Volatile
Mutagen
Mutagen
Fraction of Contaminant Absorbed in Gastrointestinal Tract
1
Fraction of Contaminant Absorbed Dermally from Soil
0.1

14.2.6 ICSC Environmental Data

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. This substance does enter the environment under normal use. Great care, however, should be taken to avoid any additional release, for example through inappropriate disposal.

14.2.7 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

Glyphosate's production may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams; its use as a herbicide will result in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 9.8X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates glyphosate will exist solely in the particulate phase in the atmosphere. Particulate-phase glyphosate will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Glyphosate does not degrade by direct photolysis. If released to soil, glyphosate is expected to have slight mobility based upon a Koc range of 2,600 to 4,900. The pKa values of glyphosate are 2.0, 2.6, 5.6 and 10.6, indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the zwitterion form in the environment and zwitterions generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the compound exists as an ion and ions do not volatilize. Glyphosate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation half-lives in soil of 1.85 to 7 days under aerobic conditions indicate that biodegrdation is an important environmental fate process in soil. If released into water, glyphosate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc range. The aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation half-life of glyphosate in a flooded silty clay loam sediment was 7 and 8.1 days, respectively, suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in sediment. Biodegradation data in water were not available. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because glyphosate exists as a zwitterion in water and ionic species do not volatilize. A BCF of 0.52 suggests bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Glyphosate is stable to hydrolysis at pH 5, 7, and 9 at temperatures ranging from 5 to 35 °C. Occupational exposure to glyphosate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where glyphosate is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to glyphosate via ingestion of drinking water and dermal contact with consumer products containing glyphosate. The greatest potential for dermal and inhalation exposure to glyphosate is expected for pesticide applicators, farm workers, and members of the general population that have frequent contact with products containing glyphosate for commercial farming or home use. (SRC)

14.2.8 Artificial Pollution Sources

Glyphosate's production may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams; it's use as a broad spectrum non-selective, post-emergent herbicide(1) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).
(1) MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)

14.2.9 Environmental Fate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 2,600 to 4,900(2), indicate that glyphosate is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of glyphosate from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process because it exists in zwitterionic form in the environment and ionic compounds do not volatilize(3). Glyphosate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based on a vapor pressure of 9.8X10-8 mm Hg(4). Biodegradation half-lives in soil of 1.85 to 7 days under aerobic conditions(5), indicate that biodegrdation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) Glass RL; J Agric Food Chem 35: 497-500 (1987)
(3) Spankle P; Weed Sci 23: 224-8 (1975)
(4) MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
(5) USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Glyphosate EPA 738-R-93-014. September 1993. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
TERRESTRIAL FATE: The median dissipation half-time (DT50) of glyphosate applied at 7.95 to 10.7 lbs ai/A to 8 bare ground fields in different locations of the US was 13.9 days. The shortest DT50 was observed in Texas (2.6 days), and the longest values from the field studies were in the coldest climates, Minnesota, New York and Iowa, at 28.7, 127.8 and 140.6 days respectively. These data indicate that glyphosate residues in the field are somewhat more persistent in cooler climates as opposed to milder ones(1).
(1) USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Glyphosate EPA 738-R-93-014. September 1993. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
TERRESTRIAL FATE: After glyphosate is applied to forests, fields, and other land by spraying, its mobility in soil is limited and is affected by pH and phosphate levels, as well as by soil type(3). In addition to binding to organic matter and clay in soil, it may also form insoluble complexes with metal ions in the soil. Distribution data for glyphosate after spraying in a coastal forest ecosystem indicate that glyphosate is strongly adsorbed to the upper layers of soil and has a low propensity for leaching(2). Glyphosate residues dissipated with a half-life of 45-60 days. After 360 days, residues levels were 6-18% of initial levels(2). Field studies on eleven different soils covering a full range of soil types and geographical areas indicates an avg half-life of 60 days for glyphosate in soil(4). Other sources also report an avg half-life of 60 days from literature surveys(1,5).
(1) Neary DG et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 12: 411-28 (1993)
(2) Feng JC, Thompson; J Agric Food Chem 38: 1118-25 (1990)
(3) Spankle P; Weed Sci 23: 224-8 (1975)
(4) Rueppel ML et al J Agric Food Chem 25: 517-28 (1977)
(5) Reinert KH, Rodgers JH; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 98: 61-98 (1987)
TERRESTRIAL FATE: The half-life of glyphosate applied to forest foliage was 14.4 days(1) and that applied to two Finnish agricultural fields were 69 and 127 days, respectively(2). Persistence studies with glyphosate in sandy test sites in a boreal forest in Ontario, Canada indicate that the half-life of glyphosate was 24 days and residues were reduced to <10% of that applied after 78 days(3). More than 95% of residues were found in the upper organic layer of soil. In aerially treated forest brush fields in the Oregon coast range, the half-life of glyphosate ranged from 10.4-26.6 days in foliage and litter. The half-life of glyphosate on exposed soil and litter-covered soil was 40.2 and 29.2 days, respectively(4).
(1) Willis GH, McDowell LL; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 100: 23-73 (1987)
(2) Muller MM et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 27: 724-30 (1981)
(3) Roy DN et al; J Agric Food Chem 37: 437-40 (1989)
(4) Newton M et al; J Agric Food Chem 32: 1144-51 (1984)
For more Environmental Fate (Complete) data for GLYPHOSATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.2.10 Environmental Biodegradation

AEROBIC: When glyphosate was incubated in Williams silt loam soil (pH 6.4, 1.9% organic matter), 19% degradation occurred in 9 days. No degradation was noted in sterilized soil(1). In shake-flask metabolism studies, glyphosate was rapidly and completely biodegraded in the presence of soil microorganisms under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions(2). After 28 days under aerobic conditions, 45-55% of the glyphosate was mineralized using Ray silt loam soil, Lintonia sandy loam soil, and Drummer silty clay loam soil. Norfolk sandy loam mineralized glyphosate at a much slower, but still significant, rate. In greenhouse experiments, the half-lives of glyphosate in Ray, Drummer and Norfolk soil was 3, 27, and 130 days, respectively(2). The biodegradation half-life of glyphosate in a Kickapoo sandy loam and Dupo silt loam soil were 1.85 and 2.06 days, respectively, under aerobic conditions. The major degradation product observed was aminomethyl phosphonic acid. The aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation half-life of glyphosate in a flooded silty clay loam sediment was 7 and 8.1 days, respectively(3).
(1) Tate RL, Alexander M; Soil Sci 118: 317-21 (1974)
(2) Rueppel ML et al; J Agric Food Chem 25: 517-28 (1977)
(3) USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Glyphosate EPA 738-R-93-014. September 1993. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
AEROBIC: In experiments in which C14-glyphosate was incubated with several soils, 17.4 to 45.5% of the glyphosate was released as CO2 in 28 days(2). CO2 release did not occur in sterilized soil. The addition of phosphate, which competes with glyphosate for soil binding sites, increased the rate of CO2 release, although both bound and free glyphosate were degraded(2). The pattern of biodegradation suggests that glyphosate does not support microbial growth, but is co-metabolized(2). Glyphosate's only significant metabolite is aminomethylphosphosphonic acid (AMPA), which also rapidly degrades in soil(1,3). When radiolabeled glyphosate was incubated in three Saskatchewan soils, 50% of the herbicide was mineralized in 30-40 days; the half-life of glyphosate, itself, would be shorter(4). After 90 days when 69-75% of radioactivity had been released, 7-16% of the activity was in a solvent-extractable fraction and 7-14% was in a non-extractable fraction.
(1) Feng JC, Thompson; J Agric Food Chem 38: 1118-25 (1990)
(2) Spankle P; Weed Sci 23: 224-8 (1975)
(3) Rueppel ML et al J Agric Food Chem 25: 517-28 (1977)
(4) Smith AE, Aubin AJ; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 50: 499-505 (1993)
AEROBIC: Glyphosate was 97.3% removed in 30 days using an activated sludge inoculum from a winemaking biological treatment plant (biological treatment and sand filter)(1).
(1) Massot A et al; Water Res 46(6): 1785-1792 (2012)
ANAEROBIC: Under anaerobic conditions, 37.3% of glyphosate incubated with Ray silt loam soil was released as CO2(1). The anaerobic biodegradation half-life of glyphosate in a flooded silty clay loam sediment was 8.1 days(2). A half-life of 30.5 days (dissipation rate of 0.032/day) was measured using glyphosate at 10 mg/kg filter substrate in a sediment sample of 450 g wet material under redox conditions to simulate slowly flowing groundwater; loss could not be entirely attributed to biodegradation(3).
(1) Rueppel ML et al J Agric Food Chem 25: 517-28 (1977)
(2) USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Glyphosate EPA 738-R-93-014. September 1993. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014:
(3) Litz NT et al; Water Res 45(10): 3047-3054 (2011) https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm

14.2.11 Environmental Abiotic Degradation

Glyphosate is zwitterionic with pKa values of 2.3, 5.7 and 10.2(1,2). In the environmental pH range, 5 to 9, glyphosate has a net negative charge that increases with pH. The nitrogen atom is positively charged and both the carboxylic acid group and phosphonic acid group are deprotonated; above pH 5.6 the latter is predominantly doubly ionized and below pH 5.6 it is singly ionized(1). Glyphosate has three groups (amine, carboxylate and phosphonate) that may coordinate strongly as tridentate or tetradentate ligands with transition metal and alkaline earth ions(3). It has been demonstrated that insoluble complexes are formed between glyphosate and ferric, cupric, calcium, and magnesium ions at near neutral pH. Ferrous salts are oxidized to the ferric salt yielding the ferric-glyphosate complex. Since groundwater may contain high concentrations of iron, calcium, and magnesium, glyphosate would form insoluble complexes with these ions and precipitate out. A similar fate would occur to glyphosate in soil and some surface waters.
(1) Spankle P; Weed Sci 23: 224-8 (1975)
(2) MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
(3) Subramaniam V, Hoggaard PE; J Agric Food Chem 36: 1326-9 (1988)
Glyphosate is stable to hydrolysis at pH 5, 7, and 9 at temperatures ranging from 5 to 35 °C(1). Experiments using sterile controls indicate that glyphosate does not chemically degrade in soil(2). Glyphosate photodegrades when exposed to UV radiation, but not visible light(3). The photolytic half-life of glyphosate in deionized water exposed outdoors to sunlight was approximately 5 wk at 100 ppm and 3 wk at 2000 ppm(3). The degradation product was aminomethylphosphonic acid. In contrast, no degradation occurred when exposed to light equivalent of 16 eight hour days of sunlight in a photoreactor(2). Another source reports that negligible losses of glyphosate on soil occur as a result of photodegradation(4).
(1) MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)
(2) Rueppel ML et al J Agric Food Chem 25: 517-28 (1977)
(3) Lund-Hoie K, Friestad HO; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 36: 723-9 (1986)
(4) WSSA; Herbicide Handbook 7th ed.; Champaign, IL: Weed Sci Soc Amer pp. 149-151 (1994)

14.2.12 Environmental Bioconcentration

In controlled laboratory studies using glyphosate at levels 3 to 4 times the recommended application rates, BCF values in fish tissue 10-14 days post application ranged from 0.2 to 0.3(1). A BCF value of 0.52 (whole body) was measured in bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) exposed for 28 days(2). BCF values of 0.38 for edible tissues and 0.63 for non-edible tissues have been reported(3). According to a classification scheme(4), these BCF data suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
(1) Reinert KH, Rodgers JH; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 98: 61-98 (1987)
(2) Jackson SH; J Agric Food Chem 57: 958-67 (2009)
(3) USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Glyphosate EPA 738-R-93-014. September 1993. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm
(4) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)

14.2.13 Soil Adsorption / Mobility

When applied to clay loam or muck soil at an application rate of 56 kg/ha, glyphosate was rapidly inactivated. This inactivation was probably the result of reversible adsorption to clay and organic matter. Iron and aluminum clays and organic matter adsorbed more glyphosate than sodium and calcium clays and was readily bound to kaolinite, illite, bentonite, charcoal and muck but not to ethyl cellulose. (14)C-Labeled glyphosate was degraded in soil and (14)CO2 was released.
Menzie, C.M. Metabolism of Pesticides, Update II. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish Wildlife Service, Special Scientific Report - Wildlife No. 2l2. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1978., p. 146
The Koc values for Houston clay loam (pH 7.5, OC 1.56%), Muskingum silt loam (pH 5.8, OC 1.64%), and Sassafras sandy loam (pH 5.6, OC 1.24%) were 4900, 3400, and 2600, respectively(1). According to a suggested classification scheme(2), these Koc values indicates that glyphosate is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). Glyphosate exists in zwitterion form in the environment and interactions with soil and sediment are primarily ionic, rather than hydrophobic(3). Soil factors such as clay mineral type and content, organic matter content, soil pH, and cation exchange capacity have major effects on adsorption. It has been shown that adsorption of glyphosate on variable-charge, volcanic ash-derived soils in Chile strongly increased when pH decreased(4). The Freundlich soil adsorption coefficient (Kf) Houston clay loam, Muskingum silt loam, and Sassafras sandy loam were 76, 56, and 33, respectively. The adsorptivity correlated with clay content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and pH(1). Decreasing adsorption to five clays with increasing pH is due to decreased interaction as the clay surface and glyphosate become more negatively charged(5). Another investigator found that the extractability of glyphosate from soil and various clay minerals increased with pH, but the degree of adsorption did not correlate with CEC or surface area of the sorbent, indicating that adsorption to clays was via a specific sorption mechanism, rather than a general one and that the mechanism is H-bonding and ion exchange(6).
(1) Glass RL; J Agric Food Chem 35: 497-500 (1987)
(2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)
(3) Reinert KH; pp. 335-48 in Reactions & Movement of Organic Chemicals in Soils. Soil Sci Soc Amer Spec Publ.22 (1989)
(4) Caceres-Jensen L et al; J Environ Qual 38: 1449-1457 (2009)
(5) McConnell JS, Hossner LR; J Agric Food Chem 33: 1075-8 (1985)
(6) Miles CJ, Moye HA; J Agric Food Chem 36: 486-91 (1988)
In soil column studies, no glyphosate was detected in leachate after elution with water for 45 days. It is adsorbed at positively charged sites in clay minerals and other soil components. Laboratory and field studies indicate that glyphosate is strongly and reversibly adsorbed by soil, sediment and suspended sediment(1). The Freundlich adsorption coefficient (Kf) for 9 soils ranged from 18 to 377, while that to suspended solids from Australian waters ranged from 1260 to 2080(1). Glyphosate was strongly adsorbed to Drummer silty clay loam, Norfolk sandy loam, and Ray silt loam soil in soil thin layer chromatography experiments and would, therefore, possess no propensity for leaching(2).
(1) Reinert KH; pp. 335-48 in Reactions & Movement of Organic Chemicals in Soils. Soil Sci Soc Amer Spec Publ.22 (1989)
(2) Rueppel ML et al; J Agric Food Chem 25: 517-28 (1977)
When released to soils, glyphosate has been shown to compete with phosphate for binding sites, suggesting that adsorption may occur through the phosphonic acid moiety(1). Analysis of soil core samples from a coastal forest watershed in British Columbia that had been sprayed with glyphosate indicated that >90% of glyphosate residues were found in the 0-15 cm organic soil layer both in seasonally flooded and well drained sites(2). Using sand filters, glyphosate yielded a Kf of 1.9, possibly due to the low organic matter content and low iron and aluminum oxide content(3).
(1) Spankle P; Weed Sci 23: 224-8 (1975)
(2) Feng JC, Thompson DG; J Agric Food Chem 38: 1118-25 (1990)
(3) Litz NT et al; Water Res 45(10): 3047-3054 (2011)

14.2.14 Volatilization from Water / Soil

Glyphosate is a multi-protic chemical which exists as a zwitterion in the environment(1). Volatilization from water and moist soils will not be an important environmental fate process since ionic species do not volatilize(SRC). Volatilization from dry soil surfaces is not expected to be important based on a vapor pressure of 9.8X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C(2).
(1) Spankle P; Weed Sci 23: 224-8 (1975)
(2) MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Glyphosate (1071-83-6) (2008-2010)

14.2.15 Environmental Water Concentrations

GROUNDWATER: Glyphosate was detected in groundwater and water supply monitoring programs in Texas(1). The concentration and site details were not reported(2). In a survey of farm wells in Ontario, Canada, 103 in 1986 and 76 in 1987, glyphosate was not detected in any wells(2). However, glyphosate was only used on crops on 28 farms in 1986 and 1987(2). As a result of a comprehensive survey of the United States, encompassing 3,732 environmental samples collected between 2001 and 2010 from 38 states, glyphosate and/or aminomethylphosphonic acid were detected in 8.4% of 820 groundwater sites. Concentrations have increased from the 2001-2005 sturdy results to the 2006-2010 study results(3).
(1) Hallberg GR; Agr Ecossys Environ 26: 299-367 (1989)
(2) Frank R et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 44: 410-9 (1990)
(3) USGS; Common Weed Killer is Widespread in the Environment. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: https://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/glyphosate_2014.html
DRINKING WATER: Glyphosate was detected at very low concentrations in 27 of 289 water supply wells in Zealand, Denmark. The detection limit = 0.01 ug/L(1). Glyphosate was detected at a range of 0.1 to 2 ug/L (max 5 ug/L) in the River Havel, a potential drinking water source, Berlin Germany(2).
(1) Malaguerra F et al; Sci Total Environ 414: 433-444 (2012)
(2) Litz NT et al; Water Res 45(10): 3047-3054 (2011)
SURFACE WATER: Glyphosate was detected in 54 of 154 water samples analyzed by the US Geological Survey in a 2002 study focused on nine US midwestern states. The highest concentration was 8.7 mg/L; glyphosate degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid was present in 69% of the samples(1). As a result of a comprehensive survey of the United States, encompassing 3,732 environmental samples collected between 2001 and 2010 from 38 states, glyphosate and/or aminomethylphosphonic acid were detected in 59% of 470 surface water sites sites. Glyphosate was detected in water samples from ditches and drains, large rivers and streams. Concentrations have increased from the 2001-2005 sturdy results to the 2006-2010 study results(2).
(1) USGS; Glyphosate Herbicide Found in Many Midwestern Streams, Antibiotics No Common. Available from, as of Sept 9, 2014: https://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/glyphosate02.html
(2) USGS; Common Weed Killer is Widespread in the Environment. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: h ttp://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/glyphosate_2014.html
SURFACE WATER: Glyphosate was detected in 1 out of 45 surface water samples at golf course in the US at 8.2 ug/L(1). Glyphosate was detected in 1 out of 6 ponds at a concentration of 42 ug/L in Ontario, Canada(2). Glyphosate was detected in surface water of the Wuchuan River, China at levels of 0.67-1.39 ng/L(3). Glyphosate concentration was below the detection limit to 1.3, below the detection limit to 3.6 and below the detection limit to 7.60 ug/L in water samples from streams in a farming region of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, collected in April, August and September, 2012, respectively(4). Dry weather concentrations in the Boele River and Orge River, France ranged from 0.138 to 1.082 and not detected to 0.196 ug/L, respectively, in 2007 through 2008. Wet weather concentrations were not detected to <0.1 and not detected to <0.1, respectively(5). The mean concentration of glyphosate was 15.2 ug/L in surface waters of 30 different river, small streams and low flow wetlands from Southern Ontario sampled in 2004 and 2005(6).
(1) Cohen S et al; J Environ Qual 28: 798-809 (1999)
(2) Frank R et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 44: 410-419 (1990)
(3) Zhang ZL et al; J Environ Monit 4: 498-504 (2002)
(4) Aparicio VC et al; Chemosphere 93(9): 1866-1873 (2013)
(5) Botta F et al; Chemosphere 77: 133-139 (2009)
(6) Struger J et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 80: 378-384 (2008)
RAIN/SNOW: As a result of a comprehensive survey of the United States, encompassing 3,732 environmental samples collected between 2001 and 2010 from 38 states, glyphosate was detected in precipitation. Concentrations have increased from the 2001-2005 sturdy results to the 2006-2010 study results(1).
(1) USGS; Common Weed Killer is Widespread in the Environment. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: https://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/glyphosate_2014.html

14.2.16 Effluent Concentrations

Glyphosate was detected in runoff water along a California highway at an average concentration of 2.69 ug/L (1.36 to 9.44 ug/L range) from November 29, 2000 to January 26, 2001(1).
(1) Huang X et al; Environ Sci Technol 38: 3263-3271 (2004)

14.2.17 Sediment / Soil Concentrations

SOIL: The concentration of glyphosate on barley fields, two days after application in September, 58 days post treatment, and 7 months posttreatment were 1.6 ppm, 0.5, and 0.2 ppm(1). The corresponding levels of its main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid were 0.2, 0.14, and 0.1 ppm(1). It was detected in soil samples collected near the Wuchuan River, China at levels of 0.03 to 0.73 ng/g(2). Glyphosate and its principal metabolite are present at 35 to 1,502 and 299 to 2,256 ug/kg, respectively, in soils of the farming region of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina(3).
(1) Heinonen-Tanski H et al; Pestic Sci 16: 341-8 (1985)
(2) Zhang ZL et al; J Environ Monit 4: 498-504 (2002)
(3) Aparicio VC et al; Chemosphere 93(9): 1866-1873 (2013)
SEDIMENT: Glyphosate was detected in sediment of the Wuchuan River, China at levels of 0.02 to 0.12 ng/g(1). As a result of a comprehensive survey of the United States, encompassing 3,732 environmental samples collected between 2001 and 2010 from 38 states, the following trends were noted: Glyphosate and/or aminomethylphosphonic acid were detected in 59% of 470 surface water sites and 8.4% of 820 groundwater sites Glyphosate was detected in more than 50% of soil and sediment samples as well as water samples from ditches and drains, precipitation, large rivers and streams Concentrations have increased from the 2001-2005 sturdy results to the 2006-2010 study results(2). Glyphosate concentration was less than the detection limit to 125.7, less than the detection limit to 298.4, and less than the detection limit to 94.80 uk/kg in suspended particulate matter samples from streams in a farming region of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, collected in April, August and September, 2012, respectively. The concentration in sediment ranged from below the detection limit to 98.9 ug/kg(3).
(1) Zhang ZL et al; J Environ Monit 4: 498-504 (2002)
(2) USGS; Common Weed Killer is Widespread in the Environment. Available from, as of Sept 4, 2014: https://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/glyphosate_2014.html
(3) Aparicio VC et al; Chemosphere 93: 1866-1873 (2013)

14.2.18 Food Survey Values

Glyphosate enters plants through its foliage and moves throughout the plant and into the root system(1,2). Therefore all parts of the plant treated with glyphosate may contain the herbicide(1). Glyphosate is applied to crops before emergence as otherwise crop destruction would result(1,2). Uptake through the root system is precluded by soil inactivation(2).
(1) Crop Protection Chemicals Reference 8th ed., Chemical & Pharmaceutical Press pp. 1309-12, 1423-4, 14351444-61 (1992)
(2) WSSA; Herbicide Handbook 6th ed.; Champaign, IL: Weed Sci Soc Amer pp. 146-9 (1989)

14.2.19 Plant Concentrations

Glyphosate resides in cowberries and billberies that were treated at 0.75 kg/ha in mid July, August, and September were 1.6 ppm and 2.1 ppm, respectively, 6-7 days after application and 0.1 to 0.3 ppm, when sampled 1 to 2 months after application(2). No residue were found in cowberries treated at 0.25 kg/ha and sampled 1 year later. No residues of aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), the glyphosate metabolite were found in cowberries and billberries at any of the sampling intervals. Glyphosate residues in reindeer lichen, sampled in the spring, 9 months after application at rates of 0.25, 0.75 and 2.25 kg/ha were 2.5, 14, and 45 ppm, respectively; the residue increased with dose(2). The concentration of AMPA were 0.25, 0.85, and 2.1 ppm, respectively. Thirteen months after being treated with glyphosate at a rate of 0.75 kg/ha, residues of glyphosate and AMPA in one sample of reindeer lichen was 6.4 and 0.3 ppm, respectively. Initial foliar residues on alder and salmonberry sprayed with glyphosate at 2.0-2.1 kg/ha were 262 and 448 ppm (dry wt), respectively(1). Leaf litter collected 15 days post application were 12.5 and 19.2 ppm, respectively, which declined logarithmically with a 50% dissipation time of about 8 days for alder and 9 days for salmonberry. AMPA levels in litter also declined and were undetectable 29 days postapplication(1).
(1) Feng JC, Thompson; J Agric Food Chem 38: 1118-25 (1990)
(2) Siltanen H et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 27: 731-7 (1981)
Weeds that are resistant to glyphosate(1).
Weed
United States
Weed
Rigid ryegrass
Year First Reported
1998
Location of Resistant Populations
California, other countries
Weed
Horseweed (marestail)
Year First Reported
2000
Location of Resistant Populations
14 states
Weed
Italian ryegrass
Year First Reported
2004
Location of Resistant Populations
Oregon, other countries
Weed
Common ragweed
Year First Reported
2004
Location of Resistant Populations
Missouri, Arkansas
Weed
Palmer amaranth
Year First Reported
2005
Location of Resistant Populations
Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee
Weed
Waterhemp
Year First Reported
2005
Location of Resistant Populations
Missouri
Weed
World
Weed
Goosegrass
Year First Reported
1997
Location of Resistant Populations
Malaysia
Weed
Hairy fleabane
Year First Reported
2003
Location of Resistant Populations
South Africa, Spain
Weed
Broadleaf plantain
Year First Reported
2003
Location of Resistant Populations
South Africa
Weed
Johnsongrass
Year First Reported
2005
Location of Resistant Populations
Argentina
Weed
Wild poinsetta
Year First Reported
2005
Location of Resistant Populations
Brazil
(1) Boerboom C, Owen M; Facts About Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds. The Glyphosate, Weeds, and Crop Series. GWC-1. Lafayette, IN: Purdue Univ. Available from, as of Jan 30, 3015: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/gwc/gwc-1.pdf

14.2.20 Other Environmental Concentrations

Glyphosate was detected, with a maximum concentration of 232 ug/L reported; median concentration of 1.11 ug/L, in all stormwater runoff samples from three catchments in the Paris, France metropolitan area, collected following 20 storms between February 2008 and March 2010(1). Glyphosate was detected at a concentration range of 75-90 ug/L in storm sewer water collected during 2007 and 2008 in the Orge watershed, France. It's use along roads and railways was identified as the probable source in urban settings(2).
(1) Zgheib S et al; Water Res 46(20): 6683-6692 (2012)
(2) Botta F et al; Chemosphere 77: 133-139 (2009)

14.2.21 Probable Routes of Human Exposure

Occupational exposure to glyphosate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where glyphosate is produced or used. Occupational workers and home gardeners may be exposed to glyphosate by inhalation and dermal contact during spraying, mixing, and cleanup. They may also be exposed by touching soil and plants to which glyphosate was applied. Dermal exposure may also occur during glyphosate's manufacture, transport, storage, and disposal. In a 1987 California survey of pesticide-related occupational exposures, exposures to glyphosate were (work activity, number exposed): ground applicator, ground, 13; applicator hand-held, 8; applicator, other, 1; coincidental exposure, 4; mixer/loader, ground application, 4(1). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to glyphosate via ingestion of drinking water and dermal contact with consumer products containing glyphosate(SRC).
(1) Maddy KT et al; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 114: 57-123 (1990)

15 Associated Disorders and Diseases

16 Literature

16.1 Consolidated References

16.2 NLM Curated PubMed Citations

16.3 Springer Nature References

16.4 Thieme References

16.5 Wiley References

16.6 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Literature

16.7 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Literature

16.8 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Literature

17 Patents

17.1 Depositor-Supplied Patent Identifiers

17.2 WIPO PATENTSCOPE

17.3 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Patents

17.4 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Patents

17.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Patents

18 Interactions and Pathways

18.1 Protein Bound 3D Structures

18.1.1 Ligands from Protein Bound 3D Structures

PDBe Ligand Code
PDBe Structure Code
PDBe Conformer

18.2 Chemical-Target Interactions

19 Biological Test Results

19.1 BioAssay Results

20 Taxonomy

The LOTUS Initiative for Open Natural Products Research: frozen dataset union wikidata (with metadata) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.5794106

21 Classification

21.1 MeSH Tree

21.2 ChEBI Ontology

21.3 KEGG: Pesticides

21.4 ChemIDplus

21.5 CAMEO Chemicals

21.6 ChEMBL Target Tree

21.7 UN GHS Classification

21.8 EPA CPDat Classification

21.9 NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

21.10 CCSBase Classification

21.11 EPA DSSTox Classification

21.12 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Classification

21.13 Consumer Product Information Database Classification

21.14 LOTUS Tree

21.15 EPA Substance Registry Services Tree

21.16 MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology

22 Information Sources

  1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
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  3. NJDOH RTK Hazardous Substance List
  4. NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
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    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
    Glyphosate
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
    https://www.norman-network.com/nds/SLE/
  5. USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center
  6. Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
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  7. California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
  8. CAMEO Chemicals
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    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/help/reference/terms_and_conditions.htm?d_f=false
    CAMEO Chemical Reactivity Classification
    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/browse/react
  9. ChEBI
  10. LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database
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    https://lotus.nprod.net/
  11. NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)
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  13. CAS Common Chemistry
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    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
  14. ChemIDplus
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  15. DrugBank
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    https://www.cancer.gov/policies/copyright-reuse
  17. EPA DSSTox
    CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
    https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical-lists/
  18. EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
  19. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
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    https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/legal-notice
    glyphosate-trimesium glyphosate-trimethylsulfonium
    https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.113.346
    glyphosate-trimesium glyphosate-trimethylsulfonium (EC: 617-243-9)
    https://echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals/cl-inventory-database/-/discli/details/34695
  20. FDA Global Substance Registration System (GSRS)
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    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  21. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  22. ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  23. New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
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  24. Risk Assessment Information System (RAIS)
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  25. BindingDB
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    http://ctdbase.org/about/legal.jsp
  27. Therapeutic Target Database (TTD)
  28. California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Product Database
  29. EU Pesticides Database
  30. CCSbase
    CCSbase Classification
    https://ccsbase.net/
  31. ChEMBL
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  32. Consumer Product Information Database (CPID)
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    https://www.whatsinproducts.com/contents/view/1/6
    Consumer Products Category Classification
    https://www.whatsinproducts.com/
  33. DailyMed
  34. EPA Chemical and Products Database (CPDat)
  35. EPA Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database
  36. EPA Regional Screening Levels for Chemical Contaminants at Superfund Sites
  37. USDA Pesticide Data Program
  38. USGS Health-Based Screening Levels for Evaluating Water-Quality Data
  39. Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
  40. NITE-CMC
    glyphosate (ISO); N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine - FY2008 (New/original classication)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/08-mhlw-0209e.html
    N-(Phosphonomethyl)glycine; Glyphosate - FY2022 (Revised classification)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/22-jniosh-2002e.html
    N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine [glyphosate] - FY2016 (Revised classification)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/16-mhlw-0095e.html
  41. Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
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    https://eur-lex.europa.eu/content/legal-notice/legal-notice.html
    glyphosate (ISO); N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine
    https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1272/oj
  42. Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
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    http://www.hmdb.ca/citing
  43. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
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    https://publications.iarc.fr/Terms-Of-Use
    IARC Classification
    https://www.iarc.fr/
  44. Japan Chemical Substance Dictionary (Nikkaji)
  45. KEGG
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    https://www.kegg.jp/kegg/legal.html
  46. Kruve Lab, Ionization & Mass Spectrometry, Stockholm University
    glyphosate
  47. MassBank of North America (MoNA)
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    https://mona.fiehnlab.ucdavis.edu/documentation/license
  48. Metabolomics Workbench
  49. National Drug Code (NDC) Directory
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  50. NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center
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    https://www.nist.gov/srd/public-law
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  51. NMRShiftDB
  52. Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe)
  53. RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB)
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  54. SpectraBase
    Carboxymethylamino-methylphosphonic acid
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/Hw2O4Wd4eJg
    Carboxymethylamino-methylphosphonic acid
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/7AA3R64LlzE
    [(phosphonomethyl)amino]acetic acid
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/COEZltpHrx8
    [(phosphonomethyl)amino]acetic acid
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/wx7NgFplZp
  55. Springer Nature
  56. Thieme Chemistry
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  57. Wikidata
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  59. Wiley
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  61. PubChem
  62. GHS Classification (UNECE)
  63. EPA Substance Registry Services
  64. MolGenie
    MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology
    https://github.com/MolGenie/ontology/
  65. PATENTSCOPE (WIPO)
  66. NCBI
CONTENTS