(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)Acetic Acid

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water, foam (USCG, 1999)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

(General first aid procedures)

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

2.0 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction (including salts and esters)[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

Extinguishant: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, and water.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemial or carbon dioxide. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Phenoxyacetic Acid Derivative Pesticide, Liquid, Flammable, Toxic/

For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for 2,4-D (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Accidental Release Measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers D016 and U240, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Incineration and landfill: 2,4-D /2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid/ is known to be readily detoxified by soil microorganisms and at low dosages is normally decomposed in one to four weeks. The detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorocatechol, chloromuconic and succinic acids from either soil or pure culture studies suggests a sequence of reactions involving ring hydroxylation and cleavage and further metabolism of the open chain structure to carbon dioxide. The non-persistence and detoxification of 2,4-D in soil indicate that burial in non-crop areas away from water supplies would be an acceptable method for the disposal of small quantities of 2,4-D. Incineration at high temperatures with sufficient residence time leads to complete detoxification of 2,4-D and is the most environmentally acceptable method for 2,4-D disposal. For the decontamination of 2,4-D containers-drums: triple rinse and drain procedure ("triple rinse" means the flushing of containers three times of the normal diluent equal to approximately 10% of the container's capacity and adding the rinse liquid to the spray mixture or disposing of it by the method prescribed for disposing of the pesticide). Small containers should be punched full of holes, crushed and taken to a landfill.

Chemical treatment: Detoxification requires treatment with chloride of lime or sodium carbonate. Rinse containers with a 5% soln of caustic soda. Farms are allowed to destroy if necessary up to 10 kg of the pesticide. Removal of 17% of 2,4-D /(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid/ from water is achieved by coagulation and complete water treatment by ozonation; the use of activated charcoal is an effective treatment technique.

Herbicide orange /was incinerated/ by the use of two identical refractory lined furnaces on board the Mt Vulcanus while at sea. The average wall temperature was 1273 °C and average flame was 1500 °C. A residence time of 1.0 second was used. Combustion efficiency was > 99.98%. Destruction efficiency was: 2,4-D > 99.9%; 2,4,5-T > 99.9%; Total hydrocarbon 99.982 to 99.992%; Herbicide orange > 99.999%; 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin > 99.93 to > 99.99%; Chlorinated hydrocarbons > 99.999%. /From table/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for 2,4-D (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Urinalysis of six volunteer workers (wearing a full line of protective clothing) involved in mixing and loading 2,4-D ester solutions into aircraft and in guiding the spray aircraft in two conifer release program showed a maximum excretion level of 22.2 ug/kg body weight/day(1). The urinary excretion rate of 2,4-D in 45 commercial lawn care specialists who had been spraying the herbicide for a period of at least 3 weeks ranged from 0.4-6.3 ug/kg body weight/day(2). Thirty nine of 197 children living near and away from possible source of contamination had detectable levels of 2,4-D (detection limit 1 ppb) in their urine at a maximum concentration of 9 ppb(3).

A male suicide victim weighing 55 kg ingested an unknown quantity of pure 2,4-D acid in kerosene. ... 2,4-D concentration in tissues was 57.6-407.9 mg/kg.

A male suicide victim ingested 125 ml of 2,4-D (400 mg active ingredient/l) ... 2,4-D concentration in tissues < 400 mg/kg.

A female suicide victim (age not specified or body weight) ingested an unknown quantity of 2,4-D. ... 2,4-D concentration in tissues was 20-116 mg/kg.

The general treatment of acute chlorophenoxy herbicide poisoning consists of decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract, resuscitation and supportive care. For severe, acute oral poisoning by 2,4-D forced alkaline diuresis appears to be most effective (A7734). Forced alkaline diuresis is often used to increase the excretion of acidic drugs like salicylates and phenobarbitone. For forced alkaline diuresis, a diuretic like furosemide is given intravenously and sodium bicarbonate is added to the infusion fluid to make blood and, in turn, urine alkaline. Potassium replacement becomes of utmost importance during the process because potassium is usually lost in urine. If blood levels of potassium are depleted below normal levels, then hypokalemia occurs, which promotes bicarbonate ion retention and prevents bicarbonate excretion, thus interfering with the alkalinization of the urine.

The toxic effects of a widely used herbicide (Dikamin D containing 72% 2,4-D-amine Na as active ingredient) applied alone or in combination with three heavy elements (copper sulphate, cadmium sulphate and lead acetate) modelling the heavy metal load of the environment were studied on chicken embryos with injection treatment. The treatment was done on day 0 of incubation. Solutions and emulsions of different concentrations were made from the test materials and injected in 0.1 mL volume into the air space of eggs. The macroscopical evaluations were done on day 19 of the incubation. Summarizing the findings, it can be established that the individual administration of the 72% 2,4-D containing herbicide formulation was less toxic compared to the control group than the simultaneous administration of the pesticide and heavy elements. As compared with each other the results from the combined administrations of the 72% 2,4-D containing herbicide formulation and heavy elements the simultaneous administration of cadmium and the herbicide caused the highest embryomortality while the incidence of developmental anomalies were the highest in the interaction study of the copper and the pesticide. /Dikamin D/

The effects of mixtures of parathion (PA;5 mg/kg), toxaphene (TOX; 50 mg/kg)and/or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 50 mg/kg) on the hepatic mixed-function oxygenase (MFO) system were studied in ICR male mice (21-24 g) by oral intubation daily for 7 days. In general, TOX and TOX-containing mixtures were found to induce the metabolism of amidopyrine (21-52%), aniline (58-72%), phenacetin (239-307%), pentobarbital (104-148%) and benzo[a]pyrene (143-304%) in the 9000 g liver supernatants and to increase the hepatic cytochrome P-450 contents (57-80%). Furthermore, the TOX pretreatment was effective in enhancing the biotransformation of PA or paraoxon (PO) in the supernatants. This enhancement was not altered significantly by 5 mM EDTA. Although TOX increased the aliesterase activity in the serum and liver homogenates and supernatants by 31-158%, the activity of paraoxonase was not affected in these preparations. The TOX-induced increase in the metabolism of PA or PO was, at least in part, associated with the MFO system, and paraoxonase did not have significant involvement in the increase. These findings suggest that the toxicity of the PA + TOX mixture would be lower than that of PA, as TOX has the ability to increase the biotransformation of PA, as well as of PO, and the levels of aliesterase, thereby providing a pool of noncritical enzymes for the binding of PO. Because of these properties of TOX, it is anticipated that the toxicity of the PA + TOX + 2,4-D mixture also would be lower than that of PA.

The effects of prenatal exposure to a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (24-D)/2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid mixture on brain glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), protein, DNA, and RNA were studied in rats. Pregnant Sprague Daley rats were orally administered 0, 50, or 125 mg/kg per day of a 1:1 mixture of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid on gestational days six to 15. The mixture was known to contain 0.0125 ppm of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodienzo-p-dioxin. On postnatal days one, 15, or 22, brains of neonates were separated into cerebrum, cerebellum, neocortex and thalamus/hypothalamus, and assayed for glutamate, DNA, RNA, protein and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Regional brain concentrations of protein, DNA, and RNA were not affected by prenatal exposure to the mixture, except for a decrease in the protein/DNA ratio in the hypothlamus induced by the 50 and 125 mg/kg doses on postnatal day 22. Glutamate was significantly reduced in the cerebrum and cerebellum in 1 day old neonates exposed prenatally to 50 and 125 mg/kg 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid/2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, while levels were not significantly altered in offspring examined at 15 and 22 postnatal days. gamma-Aminobutyric acid was not significantly affected in any brain region at any time.

Myotonia is characterized by prolonged contraction (delay in onset of relaxation) of skeletal muscle fibers with characteristic electromyographic findings. Calcium channel blocking drugs may be expected to reduce myotonia, should they promote the onset of relaxation in a contracted skeletal muscle. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocking agent, on myotonia induced by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). In rat diaphragm, exposed to 2.5 mM 2,4-D in a tissue bath, myotonia was quantified by documenting the contraction time in response to direct stimulation with supramaximal electric stimuli. At a peak of myotonia, diltiazem was added to the tissue bath and the effect on evoked contraction studied over a period of 6 minutes. A concentration of 5 x 10(-5) M was found to be the most effective, causing a decrease in contraction time of more than 90% in 3 minutes.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for 2,4-D (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Body Weight, Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Endocrine (Glands and Hormones), Hematological (Blood Forming), Hematological (Blood Forming), Hepatic (Liver), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Hematologic

Skin, central nervous system, liver, kidneys

All forms of 2,4-D are considered low in toxicity when absorbed via skin or via inhalation. The acid and salt forms of 2,4-D are highly toxic to eye tissue. Long term chronic exposure to 2,4-D has been linked to non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease but these are epidemiological associations only. 2,4-D is also reported to have negative effects on the endocrine system (specifically the thyroid and gonads) and immune system. 2,4-D displaces sex hormones from the protein (sex hormone binding globulin) that normally transports these hormones in the blood. 2,4-D reduces the activity of several proteins important to immune system function. Researchers at NIOSH have demonstrated a decreased production of cells responsible for making antibodies in mice bone marrow, in addition to decreased T-cells, produced in the thymus.

LC50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard Duck) age 10 days; dietary (chemical incorporated into food) >5620 ppm for 8 days

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) female 3-5 month old; oral >1000 mg/kg /Technical grade acid (>99%)/

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (mallard) male 4 month old; oral >2000 mg/kg /Technical grade acid (>99%)/

LC50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Northern Bobwhite Quail) age 10 days; dietary (chemical incorporated into food) >5620 ppm for 8 days

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for 2,4-D (40 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc range of 20-136(2-4) indicates that 2,4-D is expected to have very high to high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of 2,4-D is 2.73(5), indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(6). Volatilization of 2,4-D from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 9.75X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(5). 2,4-D is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1.40X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Biodegradation is an important environmental fate process for 2,4-D in most soils, leading to various hydroxylic aromatic products(7-9). The rate of degradation is affected by the conditions, especially the concentrations of 2,4-D and water content temperature and the organic content of soil and the status of pre-exposure of the soil to 2,4-D or its salts or esters(10,11).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the adsorption, desorption, hydrolysis, and breakdown of commercially formulated isooctyl ester and dimethylamine salt of 2,4-D in a Naff silt loam soil(1). More 2,4-D was adsorbed to the surface soil than to soil at lower depths, and the percentage of 2,4-D adsorbed decreased as the total amount of 2,4-D present increased(1). Adsorbed 2,4-D was gradually desorbed from soil by successively exchanging the solution in equilibrium with soil with distilled water(1). Formulated 2,4-D isooctyl ester applied to moist soil underwent hydrolysis to the anionic form at a rapid rate, with 80% of the ester hydrolyzed in 72 hr(1). High amounts of 2,4-D in runoff (sediment and water) retarded the active degradation of carboxyl 14C 2,4-D when 2,4-D was incubated in runoff from a wheat field treated with various formulations and rates of 2,4-D(1). At the end of the 10 wk of incubation in runoff or in soil, only 1% of the 14C 2,4-D originally applied to the soil could be identified as 2,4-D(1). In another study, the degradation kinetics of 14C-labeled 2,4-D were studied in a number of soils(2). Degradation rates in soils were not simple first order but generally increased until approx 20% of chemical remained, after which they declined(2). Average 50% decomposition time of 4.0 days was observed for 2,4-D(2). It was observed in a Riverside, CA study that 2,4-D soil half-lives were 20 times longer (half-life = 30.7 days) in soil under trees than in soil plated with turf grass (half-life = 1.6 days). The soil was a Hanford fine sandy loam; plants included Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana), fescue grass (Fetuca arundinacea), mulches, and spring cinquefoil (Potentilla tabernaemontani). Mulch and groundcover soil surface half-lives were 3.7 and 3.9 days, respectively; 32.3 and 9.2 days, respectively, for subsurface (10-30 cm)(3).

FIELD STUDY: Soil persistence and lateral movement of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) and picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) were examined following their application as a stem-foliage spray for brush control on two power line rights-of-way. Ditches to collect runoff water were located 3, 10, 20, and 30 m downslope from the treated areas. Runoff water and soil samples were collected after 0.14, 0.43, 0.57, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16, and 48 weeks and were analyzed for picloram and 2,4-D residues. Only 3 of 85 soil samples downslope from the target areas contained residues of 2,4-D, and only 1 of 85 down slope samples contained a detectable residue of picloram. Of 56 runoff water samples, only 11 contained 2,4-D residues and only 1 contained residues of picloram. The greatest distances down-slope at which residues were detected in runoff water were 20 and 10 m for 2,4-D and picloram, respectively. No residues of either herbicide were recovered in soil or water at 15 weeks or 48 weeks after spraying. Despite normal rainfall frequency and amounts in the first several weeks after spraying in mid-June, significant runoff of either herbicide was not evident at either study site.

Average incident rate of detection of 2,4-D in U.S. food from 1964-69 ranged between 0.3-4.6% with the earlier years (1964-1966) being at the higher percentage(1-3). From 1969-1973 the average incident rate was 0.3-0.8%; the higher value occurring earlier with concentrations ranging from trace to 0.02 ppm(4-7). One in 360 U.S. potato samples was positive for 2,4-D in a 1973 monitoring study(8). 2,4-D was detected in 7 of 7,893 U.S. large fruit samples in 1970-1971, and in 3 of 1,560 processed vegetable products in 1976(9). 2,4-D was detected at 0.25 ppm in one of 100 toddler food composites sampled in 10 U.S. cities from August 1975-July 1976(10).

2,4-D was detected at concentrations 0.02 ppm in one of 14 Ontario-grown cauliflower and tomato composite samples collected between 1980-85(1). 2,4-D was detected in Ontario-grown sweet cherries and strawberries collected in 1980-82 at concentrations 0.01 ppm (in 1 of 26 composites) and 0.02 ppm (in 3 of 60 composites), respectively(2). As part of a FDA Market Basket study, the ten-year average concentration of 2,4-D found in 234 ready-to-eat foods tested 37 times a year between 1982-1991 was 0.006 ug/g(3). 2,4-D was only found one time in 1 unspecified food item during this study(3). As part of the FDA Total Diet study between 1991-99, the mean concentration of 2,4-D was determined in white bread (0.0051 ppm), raisin bran cereal (0.0042 ppm), oat ring cereal (0.002 ppm), and cracked wheat bread (0.006 ppm)(4). FDA 2004-2005 Total Diet Study 2,4-D mean concentrations were (ppm): 0.0020 (enriched white rice); 0.0006 (white bread); 0.0002 (whole wheat bread); 0.00001 (fruit-flavored sweetened cereal); 0.00035 (raisin brand cereal); 0.00006 (crisped rice cereal); 0.00010 (oat ring cereal); 0.00004 (BF, turkey and rice); 0.00098 (cracked wheat bread); 0.00015 (Chinese fried rice, meatless)(4).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L1979); inhalation (L1979); dermal (L1979)

ENVIRONMENTAL: 2,4-D was detected in 7 of 4,638 samples of cow milk (fluid) in 1971(1).

EXPERIMENTAL: One pasture was sprayed with 2 lb per acre of 2,4-D isopropyl ester. ... Milk collected from the exposed cows and forage samples from the fields were analyzed for 2,4-D by gas chromatography. The highest levels of 2,4-D were 0.05-0.06 ppm. ... No 2,4-D was detected on the third day after exposure to the isopropyl ester.

EXPERIMENTAL: 2,4-D was eliminated in milk of cows maintained in pastures treated with 2,4-D or its butyl or isooctyl ester

EXPERIMENTAL: We studied offspring of dams which had received 50, 70 or 700 mg/kg of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) during nursing. Neonatal tissues and the stomach content (milk) were examined up to 16 post natal days to detect body and organs weight alterations and 2,4-D residues after 2,4-D maternal dosing every-other-day, from post natal day 1. We detected 2,4-D residues in stomach content, blood, brain and kidney of 4-day-old neonates breast-fed by 2,4-D exposed mothers and onward. 2,4-D residues were dose- and exposure-time-dependent. The highest dose impaired body growth, as well as low tissue weights and diminished stomach contents. Levels of 2,4-D residues in stomach content, blood, kidney and brain of post natal rats (age PD 4-PD 16) fed through lactation from dams treated with 2,4-D demonstrated that 2,4-D was transferred to the neonates and the diminished body and tissues weight during this developmental period could be due to a diminished milk intake or/and to the direct 2,4-D toxic effect. Besides, when the herbicide treatment (100 mg 2,4-D/kg) was withdrawn from the dams, 2,4-D residues remained in the stomach content of neonates for at least one week.

D016; A solid waste containing 2,4-D may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.

U240; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when 2,4-D acid, salts & esters as commercial chemical products or manufacturing chemical intermediates or off-specification commercial chemical products or manufacturing chemical intermediates, become wastes, they must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).

Tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide, plant regulator, and fungicide 2,4-D, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance with the tolerance levels is to be determined by measuring residues of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), both free and conjugated, determined as the acid, in or on the following commodities:[Table#782]

Tolerances with regional registration, as defined in section 180.1(l), are established for residues of the herbicide, plant regulator, and fungicide 2,4-D, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance with the tolerance levels is to be determined by measuring residues of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), both free and conjugated, determined as the acid, in or on the follow commodities:[Table#783]

Tolerances are established for indirect or inadvertent residues of the herbicide, plant regulator, and fungicide 2,4-D, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance with the tolerances levels is to be determined by measuring residues of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), both free and conjugated, determined as the acid, in or on the following commodities:[Table#784]

Section 4(g)(2)(A) of FIFRA calls for the Agency to determine, after submission of relevant data concerning an active ingredient, whether or not products containing the active ingredient are eligible for reregistration. The Agency has previously identified and required the submission of the generic (i.e., active ingredient-specific) data to support reregistration of products containing 2,4-D as an active ingredient. The Agency has completed its review of these generic data, and has determined that the data are sufficient to support reregistration of all products containing 2,4-D. ... Based on its evaluation of 2,4-D, the Agency has determined that 2,4-D products, unless labeled and used as specified in this document, would present risks inconsistent with FIFRA. Accordingly, should a registrant fail to implement any of the risk mitigation measures identified in this document, the Agency may take regulatory action to address the risk concerns from the use of 2,4-D . If all changes outlined in this document are incorporated into the product labels, then all current risks for 2,4-D will be adequately mitigated for the purposes of this determination.

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer safety standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. 2,4-D is found on List A, which contains most pesticides that are used on foods and, hence, have a high potential for human exposure. List A consists of the 194 chemical cases (or 350 individual active ingredients) for which EPA issued registration standards prior to FIFRA '88. Case No: 0073; Pesticide type: fungicide, herbicide; Registration Standard Date: 09/01/88; Case Status: OPP is reviewing data from the pesticide's producers regarding its human health and/or environmental effects, or OPP is determining the pesticide's eligibility for reregistration and developing the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.; Active ingredient (AI): 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; Data Call-in (DCI) Date(s): 03/25/92, 03/03/95, 10/13/95; AI Status: The producers of the pesticide has made commitments to conduct the studies and pay the fees required for reregistration, and are meeting those commitments in a timely manner.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. 2,4-D is included on this list.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).

2,4-D acid is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

(IL) ILLINOIS 10 ug/L

(NY) NEW YORK 50 ug/L

(AZ) ARIZONA 70 ug/L

(MN) MINNESOTA 70 ug/L

Used as selective broadleaf herbicide with minor applications as a plant growth regulator and fungicide; Active ingredient in approximately 660 agricultural and home use products; [Reference #2] Other agricultural uses include conifer release, to enhance red color in potatoes, for uniform fruit ripening in tomatoes, and to increase latex output in old rubber trees; Was used as a component of the military defoliant Agent Orange; [HSDB] Since 1987, process changes have reduced the chance of 2,4-D being contaminated with chlorinated dioxins; [ACGIH]

Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry]

For 2,4-D (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 030001) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

/Herbicide used on/ ... asparagus, cereals, corn, grasses, hay, rice, sorghum, soybeans (preplant), sugarcane, fallow land, pasture, rangeland, turf, and noncropland for control of annual mustard, Canada thistle, dandelion, lambsquarters, ragweed, etc. Many broadleaf crops (cotton, grapevines) are extremely sensitive. Aqua-Kleen for control of aquatic weeds in lakes and ponds. Citrus Fix in lemon packinghouses; prevents preharvest drop of mature citrus. Pyresta controls broadleaf weeds and susceptible woody plants. Cimarron Max for pastures, rangeland or established grasses on acres enrolled in conservation reserve programs. Restore II for pastures and rangelands. Rush 24 for use on barley and wheat (spring, durum).

Used post-emergence for selective control of broadleaf weeds. ... registered for use on a variety of food/feed sites including field, fruit and vegetable crops. ... also registered for use on turf, lawns, rights-of-way, aquatic sites, forestry applications ... used as a plant growth regulator in citrus.

2,4-D, its salts & esters are systemic herbicides, widely used for weed control in cereals and other crops

Major impurities /found/ in technical 2,4-D: 2,6-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.5-1.5%; 2-Monochlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.1-0.5%; 4-Monochlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.2-0.8%; Bis(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid, 0.1-2.0%; ... 2-Chlorophenol, 0.0004-0.04%; 4-Chlorophenol, 0.0004-0.005%; Water, 0.1-0.8%.

2,4-Dichlorophenol; Chlorinated diphenyl ethers; Bis-2,4-dichlorophenoxymethane; ... di- and tri-chlorodibenzofurans and chlorodibenzo-p-dioxins.

Analysis of 28 samples of technical 2,4-D by gas chromatography showed that hexachlorodioxins were present in only one sample, at less than 10 ppm. The dioxin most likely to be formed (2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) was not found. The major impurity in technical 2,4-D was identified as bis-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)methane, at 30 ppm.

Wastes from 2,4-D production may contain a number of constituents, including 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and chlorophenol polymers.

For more Impurities (Complete) data for 2,4-D (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

(1972) 3.18X10+9 G (2,4-D & SALTS & ESTERS)

(1978) 2.97X10+9 G (2,4-D INCL ESTERS & SALTS)

(1983) 4.65X10+9 G (2,4-D INCL ESTERS & SALTS)

(1985) 1.60X10+9 g

(1987) 8.74X10+6 lb

(1977) 1.14X10+9 G

(1982) 3.24X10+9 G

(1983) 9.89X10+6 lb

2023: 75,000,000 - <150,000,000 lb

(1978) 2.19X10+10 G-DEMAND (2,4-D INCL ESTERS & SALTS)

(1982) 2.05X10+10 G-DEMAND (2,4-D INCL ESTERS & SALTS)

(1991) Exceeded 5000 lb or US $5000 in value

(1946) 5.5 million lbs; (1950) 14 million lbs; (1960) 36 million lbs; (1964) 54 million lbs; (1990) 52-67 million lbs; (2001) 47 million lbs.

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for 2,4-D (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

HERBICIDE FOR PASTURE & RANGELAND, 26%; FOR WHEAT, 26%; FOR CORN, 14%; FOR OTHER GRAINS EXCEPT SORGHUM, 12%; FOR INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL USES, 11%; FOR LAWNS & TURF, 3%; FOR AQUATIC USES, 3%: FOR GRAIN SORGHUM, 3%; FOR OTHER FIELD CROPS-EG, CITRUS, FRUITS, NUTS, & VEGETABLES, 2%; (1982)

75% AS A SELECTIVE HERBICIDE FOR BROADLEAF WEEDS & BRUSH, ON SMALL GRAINS, CORN, SORGHUM, RICE, OTHER MINOR CROPS, & GRAZING LAND; 13% FOR INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL USE ON NON-CROPLAND; 6% BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ON NON-CROPLAND; 6% FOR HOME & GARDEN USE ON TURF (1972).

PASTURE & RANGELANDS, 26%; WHEAT, 26%; CORN, 14%; INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL USES, 11%; LAWNS & TURF, 4%; AQUATIC USES, 3%; GRAIN SORGHUM, 3%; RICE, 1%; OTHER GRAINS, 11%; OTHER FIELD CROPS-EG, DECIDUOUS NUTS & FRUITS, CITRUS, & VEGETABLES, 2% (1982).

2,4-D is produced by interaction of 2,4-dichlorophenolate with monochloroacetic acid.

Reaction of 2,4-dichlorophenol and chloroacetic acid in aqueous sodium hydroxide.

The National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (NPIRS) identifies 26 companies with active labels for products containing the chemical 2,4-D. To view the complete list of companies, product names and percent 2,4-D in formulated products click the following url and enter the CAS Registry number in the Active Ingredient field.

Paramount BW Herbicide (BASF Corporation): Active ingredient: 2,4-D 60.0%; quinclorac 15.0%.

2,4-D Acid Molten Technical (DOW AgroSciences LLC): Active ingredient: 2,4-D 74.8%.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid Flake (DOW AgroSciences LLC): Active ingredient: 2,4-D 97.0%.

For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for 2,4-D (67 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Chemical Classes -> Pesticides (chemicals used for killing pests, such as rodents, insects, or plants)

Transformation products, Herbicides, Plant growth regulators

Environmental transformation -> Pesticides (parent, predecessor)

HERBICIDES

Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing

Acetic acid, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-: ACTIVE

The WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard identifies 2,4-D (technical grade) as Class II: moderately hazardous; Main Use: herbicide.

/2,4-D as free/ acid not used customarily by itself; usually as a amine, salt, or ester.

Technical grade 2,4-D is avail in USA as free acid (98% purity), as salts (dimethylamine, mixed ethanolamine & isopropanolamine, lithium & sodium) & as esters of the following alcohols: isopropyl; n-butyl; sec-butyl; iso-octyl; 2-butoxyethyl, & butoxypolypropylene glycol.

Chlorophenoxy herbicides are applied alone or as mixtures with other herbicides, in solutions, dispersions, or emulsions in water &/or oil, using equipment that produces large droplets to avoid spray drift. /Chlorophenoxy herbicides/