2,4-D propylene glycol butyl ether ester (2,4-D 2-butoxymethylethyl ester)

Agricultural and lawn sprays; ester formulations can be more volatile and drift, then hydrolyze to 2,4-D in soil and water [1].

Breathing spray mist or vapors during/near applications, skin contact with treated plants/soil, accidental ingestion, or drinking contaminated well water [1][2].

Short-term effects include eye/skin irritation, nausea, dizziness; high exposures may affect muscles, kidneys, and liver [1][4]. IARC classifies 2,4-D as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B), while EPA finds it unlikely to be carcinogenic [3][5].

Pesticide applicators and farmworkers; people living near treated fields; children and pets on recently treated lawns; private-well users in farming areas [1][2].

Follow label directions and wear protective gear; avoid spraying in heat/wind; keep people/pets off treated areas until dry/reentry time; protect and test wells; use certified filters (activated carbon or reverse osmosis). EPA’s drinking water limit for 2,4-D is 70 µg/L [1][2][6].