The information in this profile may be out-of-date. It was last revised in 1996. EXTOXNET no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

Please visit the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) to find updated pesticide fact sheets. If you don't find a fact sheet related to your question, feel free to call 1-800-858-7378. NPIC is open five days a week from 8:00am to 12:00pm Pacific Time.





E X T O X N E T

Extension Toxicology Network

Pesticide Information Profiles

A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program.

EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University

Revised June 1996


2,4-D


Trade and Other Names:2,4-D is used in many commercial products. Commercial names for products containing 2,4-D include Aqua-Kleen, Barrage, Lawn-Keep, Malerbane, Planotox, Plantgard, Savage, Salvo, Weedone, and Weedtrine-II.

Regulatory Status: 2,4-D is a General Use Pesticide (GUP) in the U.S. The diethylamine salt is toxicity class III- slightly toxic orally, but toxicity class I- highly toxic by eye exposure. It bears the Signal Word DANGER - POISON because 2,4-D has produced serious eye and skin irritation among agricultural workers.

Chemical Class: phenoxy compound

Introduction: There are many forms or derivatives of 2,4-D including esters, amines, and salts. Unless otherwise specified, this document will refer to the acid form of 2,4-D. 2,4-D, a chlorinated phenoxy compound, functions as a systemic herbicide and is used to control many types of broadleaf weeds. It is used in cultivated agriculture, in pasture and rangeland applications, forest management, home, garden, and to control aquatic vegetation. It may be found in emulsion form, in aqueous solutions (salts), and as a dry compound.

The product Agent Orange, used extensively throughout Vietnam, was about 50% 2,4-D. However, the controversies associated with the use of Agent Orange were associated with a contaminant (dioxin) in the 2,4,5-T component of the defoliant.

Formulation: It may be found in emulsion form, in aqueous solutions (salts), and as a dry compound.

Toxicological Effects:

Ecological Effects:

Environmental Fate:

Physical Properties:

Exposure Guidelines:

Basic Manufacturer:

Rhone-Poulenc Ag. Co.
P.O. Box 12014
2 T.W. Alexander Dr.
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

References:

References for the information in this PIP can be found in Reference List Number 7


DISCLAIMER: The information in this profile does not in any way replace or supersede the information on the pesticide product labeling or other regulatory requirements. Please refer to the pesticide product labeling.