Where It Comes From
Agricultural spraying; in plants it can convert to the related herbicide 2,4-D; can reach nearby soil, air, and water [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Living or working near treated fields (spray drift), handling products, eating treated crops, or drinking contaminated well/surface water [1][3].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can irritate eyes and skin; swallowing large amounts can cause nausea and vomiting. Repeated high doses in animals affected liver and kidneys. Cancer evidence in humans is inadequate; EPA did not find cancer risks of concern in its reviews [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Farmworkers and applicators; people living near fields; infants and children; those using private wells near treated areas [1].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow the label and wear protective gear; respect buffer zones and reentry times; close windows during spraying; wash/rinse produce; test private well water if near treated fields [1][2][3].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. 2,4-DB: Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0404, 2020. https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0404
- [2]U.S. EPA. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for 2,4-DB. Office of Pesticide Programs, 2005. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation
- [3]U.S. EPA. Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides (HHBP). https://www.epa.gov/wqs-tech/human-health-benchmarks-pesticides