Glyphosate, or N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, is a broad-spectrum herbicide used to control grasses and broadleaf plants. It is the active ingredient in many commercial glyphosate formulations commonly known as glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs). GBHs contain glyphosate along with surfactants and other ingredients that enhance herbicidal activity. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Annually, approximately 280 million pounds of glyphosate were applied in agricultural settings in the United States from 2012 to 2018.
Human exposure to GBHs can occur during product use through inhalation or contact with skin or eyes, as well as by ingestion of plants, crops, foods, soil, or drinking water containing glyphosate residues. The highest exposures occur in occupational settings, including manufacturers, professional applicators, and agricultural workers. Exposure for the general U.S. population is widespread but occurs at lower levels compared to occupational exposures.
In late 2025, the Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) received a request from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate whether exposure to glyphosate or GBHs is associated with carcinogenicity or male reproductive health outcomes.
Projects
To address the HHS request, DTT researchers developed two separate projects to identify and assess the scientific evidence that glyphosate or GBHs impact human health: