Scientists have long known that farm chemicals can be harmful to human health. Many lawn and garden products used by consumers carry warnings, so that users can protect themselves  when applying herbicides in their own yards.  
But which chemicals are the most dangerous? And how much exposure is too much to be considered safe? A new study from TGEN and Arizona State University is shedding light on glyphosate, a common chemical in many herbicides, and its findings indicate that not only does glyphosate cross the blood brain barrier, but its damaging effects on the brain can remain long after the exposure.  Patrick Pirrotte, Ph.D., and colleagues at Arizona State University have identified an association between glyphosate exposure and symptoms of neuroinflammation, as well as accelerated Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology. The study tracks both the presence and impact of glyphosate’s byproducts in the brain long after exposure ends, showing an array of persistent, damaging effects on brain health.  Listen as Dr. Pirrotte discusses the methods used in the research and how the pervasive use of such chemicals means that most Americans, even those who have no exposure to farms or the application of such herbicides have traces of the harmful compounds in their bodies.