any direct connection Documented health problems relate to 2,4-D include reproductive damage (I.e. sterility), respiratory difficulties, atrophy, nausea, loss of appetite, skin rashes, eye irritation, and chronic headaches (6). Non-Hodgkins lymphoma has also been associated with 2,4-D exposure (7). Furthermore, there is evidence of teratogenicity (birth defects) and mutagencity (mutation of cells) provided by studies involving 2,4-D and lab animals (8).
Workers applying chlorinated phenoxy herbicides frequently have nervous system disorders, are exposed to a higher risk of soft tissue sarcoma, and show symptoms of hormonal and internal organ irregularities (9,10).
According to EPA, 2,4-D is irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membrane and since it is easily absorbed dermally or by inhalation, can injure liver, kidney, muscle and brain tissues. Acute symptoms of exposure include: chest and abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness and muscle twitching, tenderness or stiffness (U.S. EPA 1982). Studies in rats have demonstrated that 2,4-D can migrate into nervous tissue and concentrate in certain areas of the brain. Not too surprisingly, behavioral changes have also been observed in treated rats (Evangelista de Duffard 1990). In humans, seemingly minor dermal exposures have bee known to cause peripheral neuropathy (irreversible loss of feeling in the extremities). Depression, lethargy and coma have also been documented in animals and humans. Agent Orange was most often a mixture of equal parts of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. A review article on Agent Orange in the medical journal "CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians" states: "Available evidence does not permit a conclusion regarding an association between Agent Orange exposure and other cancers, including cancers of the ... kidneys, urinary bladder, testicles, ..." |
