Glyphosate-based phospho-organic herbicides – an outline of action, metabolism and the selected effects on humans and other organisms

Glyphosate (GP) is an active substance of the most common group of herbicides, applied to large cultivation areas as well as small allotments, home and industrial greeneries, those along traffic routes and around public areas. GP is highly valued for its lack of direct risks to humans and animals or no tendency to bioaccumulate in trophic networks. Over the past four decades of its use, GP was found to be extremely effective. However, controversies over its applications have been growing; therefore, it is increasingly implied that its effects on the environment, living organisms and people residing in it should be verified.