2,4-D
- 2,4-D is a widely used herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds.
- 2,4-D has been used as a pesticide since the 1940s.
- 2,4-D has been used as a pesticide since the 1940s.
- 2,4-D is used to control broadleaf weeds in many places including:
- a variety of field, fruit and vegetable crops, and
- turf, lawns, rights-of-way, aquatic sites and forestry sites.
- The growth of citrus plants can be regulated by using 2,4-D.
- Products are sold in liquid, dust, or granule formulations. The liquid forms may be concentrated or ready-to-use.
- 2,4-D products can be safely used by following label directions.
- The toxicity of 2,4-D depends on its chemical forms, including salts, esters, and an acid form.
- 2,4-D generally has low toxicity for humans, except certain acid and salt forms can cause eye irritation.
- Swimming is restricted for 24 hours after application of certain 2,4-D products applied to control aquatic weeds to avoid eye irritation.
- 2,4-D generally has moderate toxicity to birds and mammals, is slightly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, and is practically nontoxic to honeybees.
- The ester forms of 2,4-D can be highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
- Carefully follow label directions to avoid harmful effects.
- The toxicity of 2,4-D depends on its chemical forms, including salts, esters, and an acid form.
- 2,4-D is not Agent Orange.
- Agent Orange was a mixture of two different herbicides 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D (as well as kerosene and diesel fuel).
- 2,4,5-T contained high levels of dioxin, a contaminant, found to cause cancer and other health problems in people.
- 2,4-D does not contain any detectable levels of dioxin.
- EPA has canceled all uses of 2,4,5-T in 1985 and no longer allow its use in the United States.
- We have been evaluating the safety of 2,4-D
- 2005 - comprehensive review
- 2012 - evaluated new state-of-the-art reproductive studies, and requests in a petition
- 2014 – evaluated the choline salt of 2,4-D in response to a company’s request to modify the registration.
- 2,4-D and the related compounds are currently undergoing registration review, a program that re-evaluates all pesticides on a 15-year cycle.
Additional Information
- Chemical Search (EPA risk assessments, decisions, and other documents
- 2,4-D General Factsheet (PDF) (NPIC) Exit
- 2,4-D Technical Factsheet (NPIC) Exit