Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, can have a number of negative effects on humans, including: Respiratory effects Agricultural workers who use glyphosate products may experience rhinitis, atopic asthma, and wheezing. Dermatological and ocular effects Glyphosate can irritate the skin and eyes. Gastrointestinal effects Swallowing large amounts of glyphosate can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and burns in the mouth and throat. Nervous system effects Glyphosate can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause short-term or long-term nervous system disturbances. Reproductive and developmental effects Studies in animals have shown that glyphosate can cause developmental effects, such as lower body weight and problems with bone and organ growth. Fatalities In some cases, people who intentionally swallowed products with glyphosate have died. Glyphosate is absorbed or ingested and passes through the body relatively quickly. The majority of glyphosate leaves the body in urine and feces without being changed into another chemical.