Glyphosate

1Identification

Name

Glyphosate

IUPAC name

2-(phosphonomethylamino)acetic acid

CAS number

1071-83-6

EC number

213-997-4

Molecular formula

C3H8NO5P

Molecular weight

169.07 g/mol

InChIKey

XDDAORKBJWWYJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(C(=O)O)NCP(=O)(O)O

PubChem CID

3496

Synonyms

glyphosate, N-(Phosphonomethyl)glycine, Glyphosphate, N-Phosphomethylglycine, Glyfos, N-Phosphonomethylglycine, 2-(phosphonomethylamino)acetic acid, Pondmaster, Silglif, Glycine, N-(phosphonomethyl)-, Roundup Max, Folusen, Glialka, Herbatop

Recommended uses

• A systemic herbicide commonly used for roadside and forest applications; [EXTOXNET]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For glyphosate (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 417300) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Pesticides (chemicals used for killing pests, such as rodents, insects, or plants) · Environmental transformation -> Pesticides (parent, predecessor) · Herbicides

Description

• Glyphosate is the active ingredient in weed killer products such as RoundUp™. Glyphosate products are one of the most widely used weed killers worldwide in farms and in home gardens and lawns. These products typically contain glyphosate in combination with other ingredients that help improve the absorption of the glyphosate into the plant. Glyphosate-based formulations (GBFs) are easily bought in most stores. These products can have different combinations of other ingredients or different concentrations of glyphosate.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Glyphosate can cause cancer according to California Labor Code and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Glyphosate is an odorless white powder. Decomposition begins at approximately 419 °F (darkens). pH (1% solution in water) 2.5. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS05, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include irritation of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, convulsions and coma. It may also cause enhanced breathing. ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is an irritant of the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and phosphorus oxides. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Glyphosate is the active ingredient in weed killer products such as RoundUp™. Glyphosate products are one of the most widely used weed killers worldwide in farms and in home gardens and lawns. These products typically contain glyphosate in combination with other ingredients that help improve the absorption of the glyphosate into the plant. Glyphosate-based formulations (GBFs) are easily bought in most stores. These products can have different combinations of other ingredients or different concentrations of glyphosate.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• TLV Basis includes liver damage and cataract. [ACGIH TLVs and BEIs] An irritant to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract; [EPA Pesticides] The following herbicides have an oral LD50 of >1 gm/kg and have little or no acute toxicity in humans: Alachlor, Amitrole, Ammonium sulfamate, Atrazine, Dalapon, Dicamba, Glyphosphate, Monuron, Oryzalin, Picloram, Propanil, Simazine, etc. [LaDou, p. 613] A severe eye and mild skin irritant; [ICSC] It was found not to be a skin sensitizer after extensive investigation. [Kanerva, p. 782] In the AHS [Agricultural Health Study], there was no association between glyphosate exposure and NHL [non-Hodgkin lymphoma] . . .
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• /To fight fire use/ powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Sweep spilled substance into plastic containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If a spill occurs, clean it up promptly. Don't wash it away. Instead, sprinkle the spill with sawdust, vermiculite, or kitty litter. Sweep it into a plastic garbage bag, and dispose of it as directed on the pesticide product label.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• After Applying a Pesticide, Indoors or Outdoors. To remove pesticide residues, use a bucket to rinse tools or equipment three times, including any containers or utensils that you used when mixing the pesticide. Then pour the rinsewater into the pesticide sprayer and reuse the solution by applying it according to the pesticide product label directions. After applying any pesticide wash your hands and any other parts of your body that may have come in contact with the pesticide..To prevent tracking pesticides inside, remove or rinse your boots or shoes before entering your home. Wash any clothes that have been exposed to a lot of pesticide separately from your regular wash.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Do NOT store or transport in containers made from galvanized steel or unlined steel. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Safe Storage of Pesticides. Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete with labels that list ingredients, directions for use, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning. Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, or medical supplies. Do not store pesticides in places where flooding is possible or in places where they might spill or leak into wells, drains, ground water, or surface water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• GLYPHOSATE may react with galvanized steel or unlined steel (except stainless steel) containers to produce hydrogen gas which may form a highly combustible or explosive gas mixture. It can react with caustic (basic) materials to liberate heat. It is corrosive to iron. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Slightly water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, metals, bases.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Negligible volatility
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Body Weight, Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hepatic (Liver), Ocular (Eyes), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Developmental Urinary
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Safe Disposal of Pesticides. The best way to dispose of small amounts of excess pesticides is to use them - apply them - according to the directions on the label. If you cannot use them, ask your neighbors whether they have a similar pest control problem and can use them. If all of the remaining pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency, or health department to find out whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program or a similar program for getting rid of unwanted, leftover pesticides. These authorities can also inform you of any local requirements for pesticide waste disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Safe Disposal of Pesticides. An empty pesticide container can be as hazardous as a full one because of residues left inside. Never reuse such a container. When empty, a pesticide container should be rinsed carefully three times and the rinsewater thoroughly drained back onto the sprayer or the container previously used to mix the pesticide. Use the rinsewater as a pesticide, following label directions. Replace the cap or closure securely. Dispose of the container according to label instructions. Do not puncture or burn a pressurized container like an aerosol - it could explode. Do cut or puncture other empty pesticide containers made of metal or plastic to prevent someone from reusing them.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT label

• Class 9
  CAMEO Chemicals

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Tolerances are established for residues of glyphosate, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities listed below resulting from the application of glyphosate, the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, the ethanolamine salt of glyphosate, the dimethylamine salt of glyphosate, the ammonium salt of glyphosate, and the potassium salt of glyphosate. Compliance with the following tolerance levels is to be determined by measuring only glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine).[Table#4600]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The Agency made its reregistration eligibility determination based upon the target data base required for reregistration, the current guidelines for conducting acceptable studies to generate such data and the data identified in Appendix B. Although the Agency has found that all uses of glyphosate (isopropylamine and sodium salt formulations) are eligible for reregistration, it should be understood that the Agency may take appropriate regulatory action, and/or require the submission of additional data to support the registration of products containing glyphosate, if new information comes to the Agency's attention or if the data requirements for registration (or the guidelines for generating s…
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 3496 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.