Why does 2 4 d work

Farmers and weeds are in an arms race. Soon after a new herbicide emerges, weeds start evolving ways to defeat it. Eventually the product becomes useless, forcing manufacturers to concoct an even more powerful pesticide. Farmers and homeowners now spray tens of millions of pounds of it every year. Can you see where this is going? Roundup has stopped working.

As with any pesticide, there are widespread concerns about the toxicity of 2, 4-D and its chemical cousins in the phenoxy family of herbicides. The studies seem to be contradictory. A study of farmers in Nebraska found that, even when adjusting for exposure to other chemicals, 2, 4-D exposure substantially increased the risk of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma NHL. But a study of former Dow Chemical Company employees who manufactured the herbicide found no significant increase of risk for NHL.

Studies on the cancer risk of 2, 4-D have been conflicted, as well. In , the EPA ruled that existing data does not support a link between cancer and 2, 4-D exposure. These products, including Roundup, cannot be sprayed on lawns without harming the grass. Additionally, 2,4-D is so popular because it is a weed killer that consistently wipes out weeds.

In contrast, some other herbicides struggle to kill common broadleaf weeds. Importantly, while other chemical compounds are surrounded by controversy regarding their negative impact, 2,4-D has not been linked to cancer or other health concerns. By following these tips for the best time to apply 2,4-D , you will see faster results and more complete weed death.

How 2,4-D affects animals and plants depends on the form of 2,4-D. Some of the ester forms of 2,4-D can be very toxic to fish and other aquatic life. The salt forms may be only slightly toxic to aquatic animals.

Aquatic animals are more sensitive to 2,4-D as water temperature rises. Eggs sprayed with 2,4-D still hatched and the chicks were normal. It is not expected to be a hazard to other beneficial insects. NPIC provides objective, science-based answers to questions about pesticides.

Please cite as: Jervais, G. NPIC fact sheets are designed to answer questions that are commonly asked by the general public about pesticides that are regulated by the U. Environmental Protection Agency U. This document is intended to be educational in nature and helpful to consumers for making decisions about pesticide use.

NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. Environmental Protection Agency cooperative agreement X The information in this publication does not in any way replace or supersede the restrictions, precautions, directions, or other information on the pesticide label or any other regulatory requirements, nor does it necessarily reflect the position of the U.

What is 2,4-D? What are some products that contain 2,4-D? How does 2,4-D work?