The Transgenics Out Platform (Plataforma Transgénicos Fora) has warned the government of the high levels of glyphosate in 100% of urine samples collected last October.
The association again has called for a ban on the sale of herbicides that contain the suspect chemical compound.
"While the average of 18 countries shows that 50% of the samples are contaminated, the two rounds of tests in Portugal were above that value - and in October there was contamination in 100% of the samples," reads a statement.
Glyphosate remains the best-selling herbicide in Portugal, despite recommendations from the Food and Veterinary Directorate-General that "glyphosate does not meet all the established criteria for pesticide selection."
The results of the study carried out by Plataforma Transgénicos Fora show that the average contamination value of the urine samples was three times higher than the legal limit in drinking water.
The study also showed that there is considerable contamination in children’s bodies and that this is a warning sign for the Portuguese population.
In addition to the chemical mix turning up in water and food, is also can be spread in the air with more glyphosate being used in early spring.
The Transgénicos Fora Platform calls for a comprehensive study on how the chemical has affected Portugal’s population.
"The latest science shows that glyphosate profoundly changes the composition of our gastrointestinal microbiota. When this balance is compromised, serious diseases can develop, from Type 2 diabetes to atherosclerosis, obesity and even cancer," says biologist Margarida Silva.
Support for farmers as they give up using the herbicide is seen by Plataforma Transgénicos Fora as one of the crucial measures as well as the analysis of glyphosate in drinking water which should be made compulsory.
Alexandra Azevedo, the coordinator of the Councils Without Glyphosate (Autarquias Sem Glyphosate) campaign, points out that she had "knowledge of surface water analysis in the Douro river basin that shows contamination 70 times above the legal maximum."
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