NANCHANG, China, March 29, 2025 | Health & Environment – A groundbreaking study by researchers from Nanchang University has revealed a disturbing connection between glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, and increased mortality in U.S. adults. The findings, published today in Scientific Reports, suggest that even low levels of exposure to this controversial chemical may significantly raise the risk of death.
The Study: Alarming Findings on Glyphosate Exposure
The research team from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University – led by Dr. Yi Chen, Zhijian Wu, Meng Li, and Yanqing Wu – analyzed data from 4,740 American adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 and 2018.
Their key discoveries include:
- A 40% higher risk of death from any cause for every 1 ng/mL increase in urinary glyphosate levels.
- Individuals with the highest glyphosate concentrations faced 50% greater mortality risk than those with the lowest.
- Women showed particular vulnerability, experiencing 59% higher mortality risk compared to men at similar exposure levels.
- A startling threshold effect for heart disease deaths, with risks dramatically increasing below 0.38 ng/mL of glyphosate exposure.
Why Glyphosate Matters
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, is sprayed on millions of acres of crops worldwide, including staple foods like corn, soybeans, and wheat. While regulatory agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintain it’s safe when used properly, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a “probable human carcinogen” in 2015.
“Our findings suggest glyphosate exposure may contribute to premature mortality through multiple pathways, including potential effects on cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Yi Chen, the study’s lead author. “The gender differences we observed warrant particular attention and further investigation.”
Key Implications
The research highlights several critical concerns:
- Women’s Health at Greater Risk: The stronger association found in female subjects suggests possible hormonal interactions or metabolic differences in how glyphosate affects the body.
- Hidden Heart Dangers: The threshold effect indicates that even minimal glyphosate exposure might trigger cardiovascular damage.
- Cancer Connection: While not statistically significant, the data showed a concerning trend linking glyphosate to cancer mortality in people without hypertension.
Global Impact and Call for Action
With glyphosate use doubling worldwide since 2005, the study raises urgent questions about:
- Food safety standards for glyphosate residues
- Agricultural practices in major crop-producing nations
- Regulatory policies governing herbicide use
“The global community cannot ignore these findings,” warned Dr. Yanqing Wu, co-author of the study. “While more research is needed, precautionary measures to reduce population exposure would be prudent.”
Practical Advice for Consumers
While regulatory changes may take time, individuals can:
✔ Choose organic produce when possible
✔ Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables
✔ Support glyphosate-free farming initiatives
Expert Reactions
Independent experts praised the study’s rigorous methodology while calling for expanded research.
This is among the most comprehensive population-level studies on glyphosate’s health impacts
Dr. Li Hong, an environmental health specialist at Fudan University
“The gender-specific findings and threshold effects should prompt immediate reevaluation of safety standards worldwide.” He added.
Looking Ahead
The Nanchang University team plans to investigate:
- Biological mechanisms behind glyphosate’s health effects
- Geographical comparisons (including Asian populations)
- Long-term exposure patterns across different demographics
Full Study Available:
Chen, Y., Wu, Z., Li, M., & Wu, Y. (2025). The relationship between urinary glyphosate and all-cause and specific-cause mortality: a prospective study. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95139-y
About the Researchers:
The study was conducted by Drs. Yi Chen, Zhijian Wu, Meng Li, and Yanqing Wu from the Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. Their work focuses on environmental cardiology and population health.
