Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever sprayed glyphosate and caught a whiff of that distinctive smell, you’re probably breathing it in.
And yet, how often do we stop to think about what that really means?
Most of the warnings we hear about glyphosate focus on getting it on your skin or ingesting residues on food. But what about inhaling it? Especially if you’re the one doing the spraying—day in, day out, in close quarters, or maybe even without a mask. Farmers, contractors, even backyard gardeners: this one’s for you.
Up Close and Personal: Who’s at Risk?
Contractors and Agricultural Workers
If you’re a contractor or ag worker, you know the drill. Mix, spray, repeat. You probably wear gloves, maybe goggles—but a mask? Not always. Why not? Partly because the product labels don’t insist on it. And partly because glyphosate has long been sold as low-risk. But here’s the thing: being around it that often, breathing in the mist during application, might not be as safe as we’ve been led to believe.
Farmers on Their Own Land
For many farmers, glyphosate is just part of the routine. Fence lines, paddocks, driveways. It’s familiar, maybe even feels harmless. But over time, repeated exposure without respiratory protection adds up. If you can smell it, your lungs are getting a dose.
Home Gardeners
It’s sold at your local store and advertised as safe for the average backyard. No heavy-duty warnings, no urgent safety messages. Just spray the weeds on your driveway and move on. But how many are out there spraying in shorts, jandals, and no mask—treating it like any other backyard chore? And how many notice a scratchy throat or cough afterward and never make the connection?
Spray Drift: An Unseen Hazard
Even if you’re not the one doing the spraying, if you’re nearby—working, walking, or living close—you’re not out of the picture. Glyphosate doesn’t stay put. It drifts, hangs in the air, especially on a breezy day. So the exposure may be wider than most people think.
And while drift raises questions about community safety, the bigger issue might be what’s happening right under our noses—literally—during every spray session.
The Overlooked Risk: Inhalation During Application
Respiratory Hazards Not Acknowledged
Pick up a glyphosate product and read the safety label. Gloves? Check. Goggles? Maybe. But masks? Rarely. It’s a glaring omission. If you can smell it, you’re already breathing it. If you recognize that familiar chemical smell, that’s your sign: your respiratory protection isn’t good enough.
What Science Says (or Doesn’t Say)
There aren’t many studies that zero in on glyphosate inhalation specifically. That’s part of the problem. But we do know that pesticide exposure more broadly has been linked to respiratory issues—chronic cough, asthma-like symptoms, reduced lung function. So why isn’t glyphosate being studied more closely in this context? That’s a question worth asking.
When Does Exposure Become Harmful?
This isn’t just about one-off exposure. It’s the accumulation that matters. Day after day, season after season. Whether it’s a contractor spraying council land, a farmer clearing fields, or a gardener tidying up the yard—repeated exposure without a mask could be taking a toll.
Real Stories from the Field
Contractor Concerns
Some contractors have started to connect the dots—reporting irritation, coughing, or shortness of breath after jobs. Maybe it started small, but after years on the job, the symptoms stick around. Are they just coincidences—or is there something more going on?
We explored some of these contractor concerns in more depth here. But what about the everyday exposures most of us don’t think twice about?
Farmer Experiences
A few farmers have shared similar experiences. Spraying for hours on end without a mask, then feeling winded, sore-throated, or just “off” afterward. When you’re around a chemical long enough, you tend to downplay its risks. But maybe it’s time to reassess.
Home Gardener Worries
Home users aren’t exempt. If you’ve ever sprayed your driveway and noticed a lingering chemical taste or throat tickle, you’ve likely inhaled something you shouldn’t. And unlike contractors or farmers, most home users aren’t even thinking about PPE.
Mixed Messages from the Top
Why do product labels stress gloves and goggles but not masks? Is it a regulatory loophole? A marketing decision? Either way, it’s a huge blind spot—especially when we know airborne exposure is possible.
Depending on where you look, the advice shifts. New Zealand, the U.S., Australia—all slightly different. Some recommend protective gear; others leave it vague. But none are really loud about the one thing you can’t afford to ignore: your lungs.
Final Thought
We’ve accepted for too long that glyphosate is “low risk” if used as directed. But what if the directions are missing key warnings? What if masks should have been part of the picture all along?
If you know the smell of glyphosate, it’s probably because you’ve breathed it in. And that’s worth thinking about.
Think critically: Have we been too casual about glyphosate and the air we breathe?
Resources & References
If this article left you thinking, ‘Why don’t we hear more about this?’—you’re not alone.
Below are some of the sources that helped shape our questions, sharpen our concerns, and remind us that sometimes what’s missing from the conversation is exactly what we need to talk about.
Studies on Pesticide Inhalation Risks and Respiratory Health
Environmental Exposure to Pesticides and Respiratory Health
A comprehensive review indicating that environmental exposure to pesticides is associated with increased risks of asthma and wheezing.
Read the study
Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and Respiratory Health
This study highlights that occupational exposure to pesticides is linked to pulmonary alterations such as asthma, wheezing, and chronic bronchitis.
Read the study
Influence of Pesticides on Respiratory Pathology – A Literature Review
This review provides evidence of adverse effects of pesticide exposure on respiratory health, including decreased lung function and increased risk of chronic lung diseases.
Read the review
Safety Guidelines from New Zealand EPA and International Regulatory Bodies
Glyphosate Rules and Regulations – New Zealand EPA
Outlines the approval process and regulations for glyphosate-containing products in New Zealand.
View guidelines
How to Safely Use Weedkiller Containing Glyphosate – New Zealand EPA
Provides safety instructions for the use of glyphosate-based weedkillers, including the recommendation to wear personal protective equipment.
Read safety instructions
Related Article on NoMoreGlyphosate.nz
Are Contractors Risking Their Health by Not Wearing the Right Gear?
Discusses the importance of protective measures for contractors handling glyphosate.
Read the article
This is just a glimpse into a much larger conversation about chemical safety, invisible exposure, and the value of precaution. We encourage you to keep questioning, keep exploring, and above all—keep breathing safely.
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