2,4-Dichlorophenol

Manufacturing of herbicides/antiseptics; breakdown of chlorophenoxy herbicides; formation during water chlorination; releases from hazardous waste sites or incineration [1].

Breathing air near factories or waste sites; drinking contaminated water; eating contaminated food; skin contact with soil or products. The body usually eliminates it quickly in urine [1].

Short-term high exposure can cause eye/skin irritation, sweating, muscle twitching, and convulsions; liver and kidney effects seen in animals. Classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) [1][2].

Workers making or using it; people living near waste sites; private well users in affected areas; young children who play in contaminated soil [1].

Use safe water sources and test private wells if contamination is suspected; follow product labels and avoid burning household waste; at work, use ventilation and protective gear per safety guidance [1].