Glyphosate biomonitoring for farmers and their families: results from the Farm Family Exposure Study
2004

Farm Family Exposure Study on Glyphosate

Sample size: 48 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Acquavella John, Alexander Bruce, Mandel Jack, Gustin Christophe

Primary Institution: University of Minnesota

Conclusion

The study found that urine collection completeness among farmers was exceptional, with only four samples below the expected daily excretion limit.

Supporting Evidence

  • Only four 24-hr urine samples over 5 days were below the expected daily excretion limit.
  • The highest systemic dose estimated in the study was 0.004 mg/kg/day, much lower than the EPA reference dose.
  • Absorbed dose was related to specific practices, such as not wearing gloves.

Takeaway

Farmers in the study had very good urine sample collection, showing they were exposed to glyphosate during pesticide application.

Methodology

The study assessed urinary glyphosate levels in farmers over a 5-day period.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to not correcting for pre-application urine values.

Limitations

The study only evaluated one application per farm family, which may limit the understanding of exposure variation.

Participant Demographics

Farmers and their families involved in pesticide application.

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