EPA Says 2,4-D Herbicide is Safe

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the 2,4-D herbicide commonly used by farmers, turf managers, and homeowners is considered safe for use, and is no longer suspected of being a carcinogen, according to the EPA. Although the EPA original began to consider putting the herbicide under special review in 1986, the agency has concluded after years of research that the substance is not a carcinogen to humans, according to the EPA.

The herbicide is called 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, or 2,4-D. The substance was thought to cause, "unreasonable adverse effects to people or the environment," according to the EPA. Although the EPA considered putting the herbicide under special review, the agency announced on August 8, 2007 that they will not use their option to initiate a special review.

Jack Dutra, Executive Director of the Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data, said, "The EPA's recent announcement reconfirms that 2,4-D poses no risk to human health." He continued, "2,4-D is recognized worldwide as a tool that improves the quality and growth of agricultural crops."

Dutra when on to say that it is important that homeowners and turf managers feel comfortable with the product, stating that a healthy lawn is important to the environment, "A healthy lawn benefits our environment in numerous ways by filtering pollution runoff, serving as a cooling agent around buildings and hindering the spread of fire." He continued, "Lawns also provide a living green space for families to enjoy outdoor activities."

The herbicide is important for homeowners because it kills weeds that are poisonous, such as poison ivy, and common allergens, such as ragweed. Farmers can use the herbicide to help protect crops like wheat, corn, rice, soybeans, potatoes, sugar cane, pome fruits, stone fruits, and nuts. The US Department of Agriculture has stated that if 2,4-D were no longer available, it would cost the economy $1.7 billion in higher food production and weed eradication expenses, according to the agency.