Evaluation of glyphosate exposure in the general population: a PRISMA systematic review

Glyphosate (GLY) is a widely used broad-spectrum herbicide that has raised increasing concern because of its environmental persistence and potential human exposure. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, aims to assess the levels of indirect human exposure to GLY and its primary metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in nonoccupationally exposed populations, with a particular focus on pregnant women and children. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for the period of 2013-2024. Fourteen eligible studies were included. GLY exposure was confirmed in the general population, with urinary concentrations ranging from 0.20 ng/mL to 7.19 ng/mL and AMPA levels ranging from 0.09 ng/mL to 10.60 ng/mL. AMPA detection, often concurrent with GLY, suggests both environmental degradation and internal metabolic transformation. Some of the included studies also explored potential correlations between exposure levels and biological or demographic parameters, although such associations are not the primary focus of this review. These findings emphasize the importance of continued biomonitoring efforts and a deeper understanding of the environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to chronic low-level exposure, particularly in vulnerable populations.