Glyphosate Poisoning

Glyphosate is an herbicide that is used to eliminate certain weeds from mass fields. The growing use of this herbicide is attributed to the tolerance level many crops have against it. Poisoning from glyphosate can occur in persons who spray fields and gardens. Precaution and early treatment are crucial to protect the handlers' health from toxic poisoning.

Function

• The herbicide that carries glyphosate is used by farmers and gardeners worldwide. This herbicide is spread onto the fields of major crops and small gardens of various vegetation to prevent the growth of weeds. The inorganic ions, biocides and salt of glyphosate are combined to create this herbicide, which then alters the pH level of the soil to kill unwanted weeds.

Misconceptions

• The herbicides that incorporate the use of glyphosates are usually not as pure in glyphosate as consumers initially believe. Herbicides also use surfactants in their mixture to aid in the effectiveness of the herbicide. This, according to the United States National Library of Medicine, means that many reactions to the toxicity level of glyphosates is not based on that single ingredient alone, but rather a combination of chemicals and substances meant to make the herbicide more effective.

Warnings

• "Accidental ingestion of glyphosate formulations is generally associated with only mild, transient, gastrointestinal features," according to the National Poisons Information Service (Birmingham Centre) and West Midlands Poisons Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

  According to the evidence of the City Hospital of Birmingham, UK, the more severe cases of glyphosate poisoning include renal failure, respiratory distress, shock and arrhythmia. Wearing gloves and masks while using glyphosate is one very important precaution. After use, wash hands with warm water and soap before making any hand-to-face contact.

Symptoms

• According to the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, early symptoms of glyphosate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms. Both organizations also advise that poisoning can occur by absorption through the skin or eye contact, therefore the area of absorption may also be irritated. The individual may develop a rash or an itchy, red patch where the chemical originally made contact. If ingested, the poisoning would mimic food poisoning and cause stomach cramps and possible throat irritation.

Treatment

• In cases where ingestion of the chemical occurs, a physician would administer either a 5 percent sodium bicarbonate solution to cleanse the stomach quickly or an activated charcoal to reduce additional absorption. When the skin is reddened and irritated from glyphosate poisoning, the skin should be gently washed with soap and water. If any of the chemical gets into the eyes, sterile water solutions, such as isotonic saline, should be used to cleanse the eyes.