We all want to make sure that the products we use are not harmful when used correctly. That’s why herbicide products like 2,4-D undergo rigorous research by scientists and evaluation by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Regulatory agencies throughout the globe continue to ensure 2,4-D meets stringent modern safety standards.
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2,4-D has been the subject of over 75 years of research and still meets today’s more rigorous safety standards. Here is what the research tells us about 2,4-D:
- No evidence of carcinogenicity: There is no evidence that 2,4-D causes cancer. 1
- Not a reproductive toxicant: 2,4-D does not cause adverse birth outcomes 2
- Not a developmental neurotoxin: 2,4-D does not cause damage to the developing nervous system. 3
- Not an immunotoxin: No evidence of immune system effects. 4
- Not a mutagen: 2,4-D does not cause genetic damage. 5
- No evidence of endocrine disruption: 2,4-D does not disturb human or animal hormones. 6
- Very low potential for dermal toxicity: Low potential for harm if absorbed by the skin. 7
- Excreted unchanged as 2,4-D acid: Does not metabolize in the body. 8
- Short half-life in humans (less than 17 hours): Human body gets rid of 2,4-D very quickly. 9
- Biomonitoring studies show very low exposure to applicators/handlers and virtually no exposure to bystanders: When used according to labelled directions, direct exposure to 2,4-D for users and bystanders is minimal. 10
The extensive modern regulatory toxicology profile available for 2,4-D provides a robust and reassuring description of the compound.
To put it simply, “2,4-D can be used safely when label directions are followed”.
The label instructions make sure that users know how often, where, and how much to apply to make sure that 2,4-D does the job it’s intended to do without harming non-targeted crops, humans, wildlife, or water systems.
Following label instructions, farmers, vegetation managers and homeowners have been using 2,4-D to control weeds and protect the environment for decades.
References
1 EPA (2017), p.17
2 EPA (2017), pp.14, 17
3 EPA (2017), pp. 17-18
4 EPA (2017), p. 18
5 EPA (2017), p. 18
6 EPA (2017), p. 24
7 EPA (2017), p. 16
8 EPA (2017), p. 25
9 EPA (2017), p. 14
10 EPA (2017), p. 31
