Where It Comes From
Herbicide products for crops, turf, forestry, and rights‑of‑way; it degrades to 2,4‑D acid after use [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing spray during/after application; skin contact when mixing/applying or touching treated plants/soil; swallowing residues in food or private well water near treated areas [1][2][4].
Why It Matters
Short‑term effects include eye/skin irritation, nausea/vomiting, dizziness; very high exposures can cause muscle weakness and nerve effects [1]. Cancer: IARC rates 2,4‑D as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) [3]; EPA finds 2,4‑D not likely carcinogenic at typical exposures [2].
Who Is at Risk
Applicators and farmworkers; families near treated fields; children and pets on recently treated lawns; people using private wells in agricultural areas [1][2][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow label directions; keep people/pets away until sprays dry; prevent drift and wear PPE when applying; wash hands and produce; remove shoes after outdoor work; test private wells if near frequent applications [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid). https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=245&toxid=44
- [2]U.S. EPA. 2,4-D – Ingredients Used in Pesticide Products. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/24-d-ingredients-used-pesticide-products
- [3]IARC Monographs, Volume 113: DDT, Lindane, and 2,4-D (2018). https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs/DDT-Lindane-And-2-4-D-2018
- [4]CDC. Biomonitoring Summary: 2,4-D. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/24D_BiomonitoringSummary.html