Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Thesis - ECU Access Only

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Masters by Environmental Management

School

School of Natural Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

First Supervisor

Dr Andrea Hinwood

Abstract

Glyphosate is a leaf-absorbed, systemic herbicide against a wide range of problem annual and perennial weeds that is widely used in crop production, general land management and home gardens. Though glyphosate is the most heavily used herbicide in Australia, its use is not monitored (ATSE, 2002). Controlled residue studies show that residues of glyphosate persist in food crops, creating the potential for a large number of people to be exposed (FAO/WHO, 1986; 2006b; U.S. EPA, 1993). Regulatory studies show that glyphosate per se is practically harmless to humans, wildlife and the environment; however, recent research indicates other ingredients in the formulation increase the toxicity and availability of glyphosate in animal cells, tissues and organs, raising concern for the safety of glyphosate on human health. While dietary exposure of the general population to glyphosate has been predicted, it has not been measured in regional surveillance or national total diet studies; neither has an exposure assessment been conducted in the residential setting (FSANZ, 2003; personal communication Cook (FSANZ), 2007; U.S. EPA, 1993; WHO, 1994).

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