GlyCin

Understanding the toxicokinetics of glyphosate and its metabolite in occupational and environmental exposure scenarios

Glyphosate is the third most widely used active substance (AS) in plant protection products in Switzerland, particularly in orchards and vineyards. However, the actual amount absorbed by fruit growers and winegrowers during professional use remains poorly understood. This project aims to better understand this exposure by comparing urinary concentrations of glyphosate and its main metabolite (AMPA) in fruit growers and winegrowers with those in the general population, in order to improve agricultural practices and optimize health risk assessment strategies.

Content and objectives of the research work

Supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), this project aims to better understand the absorption and elimination of glyphosate and its metabolite (AMPA) among Swiss fruit growers and winegrowers professionally exposed in orchards and vineyards, compared to the environmental exposure of the general population.
The first step will be to document the urinary elimination kinetics of glyphosate and AMPA through urine sampling. In parallel, factors influencing exposure will be identified using food diaries and environmental exposure measurements in the field. Finally, a kinetic model integrating biological, dietary, and occupational data from fruit growers and winegrowers, as well as from the general population, will be developed to characterize occupational and environmental exposure to glyphosate. These data will allow modeling of overall exposure and adaptation of health risk assessment strategies.

Scientific and social context of the research project

Glyphosate is at the center of numerous scientific and societal debates due to its potential effects on human health and the environment. In Switzerland, its use in certain crops raises concerns, particularly for agricultural workers. This project is part of a public health approach aimed at better understanding the risks associated with glyphosate exposure, informing regulatory policies, and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. It also helps fill a gap in data on glyphosate elimination kinetics according to different exposure pathways.

Figure: Research plan for the GlyCin project
The rectangles (RQ) describe a specific research question. The arrows illustrate the interaction and transmission of research results. (PPP = Plant Protection Product)