Journal or Publishing Institution: Journal of Pesticide Reform
Author(s): Cox, C.
Article Type: Report
Record ID: 410
Abstract: 2,4-D is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It is commonly used on rangeland and pasture, in the production of wheat, and on home lawns. Symptoms of 2,4-D poisoning in exposed people include irritation and inflammation of eyes and skin, hives, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, headache, dizziness, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In laboratory animals, human cells, and exposed people 2,4-D caused genetic damage. Scientists have also demonstrated that 2,4-D affects hormones in exposed people and laboratory animals. Three recent laboratory studies indicate that 2,4-D has the ability to reduce the effectiveness of the immune system. 2,4-D (and the entire family of phenoxy herbicides) is classified as possibly carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies of exposed farmers support this classification. New studies indicate that 2,4-D reduces fertility in several ways. 2,4-D exposure is associated with low sperm counts. 2,4-D also damaged sperm and male sex organs in laboratory studies. When low doses of a commercial 2,4-D herbicide were fed to pregnant laboratory animals, average litter size was reduced by about 20 percent. According to the most recent data collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some 2,4-D is contaminated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD, a potent dioxin. Monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey showed that 2,4-D is frequently found in rivers and streams. It is also often measured in air samples. 2,4-D use on lawns is linked with an increased risk of cancer in dogs. 2,4-D causes genetic damage in plants in amounts too small to cause visible damage to the plants.
Citation: Cox, C., 2005. Herbicide Factsheet 2,4-D. Journal of Pesticide Reform, 25(4).
