HAZARD SUMMARY

* 2,4-D can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin.
* Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer
causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* 2,4-D can cause reproductive damage.
* Skin or eye contact can cause irritation.
* Breathing exposure can irritate the throat and airways.
* Higher or repeated exposures can cause headache, nausea, poor appetite, muscle weakness and twitching, poor coordination and damage to the liver and kidneys.
* Exposure may also lead to a skin allergy, with rash and itching. If allergy develops, even low future exposures can trigger rash.

IDENTIFICATION

2,4-D is a white to yellow crystalline powder. It is a herbicide.

REASON FOR CITATION

* 2,4-D is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP and EPA.
* Definitions are attached.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED

* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.

WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS

OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 10 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift.

* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above.
* 2,4-D is a MUTAGEN. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level.

WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE

* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 2,4-D and at the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of 2,4-D to potentially exposed workers.

This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to 2,4-D:
* Skin or eye contact can cause irritation.
* Overexposure can irritate the throat and lower airways. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, sweating, fever and diarrhea. Muscle damage with tenderness, weakness and twitching can occur. Other effects include damage to the kidneys and liver and effects on the nerves to the arms and legs, with weakness and poor coordination.

Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 2,4-D and can last for months or years:

Cancer Hazard

* 2,4-D causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk. In fact there is limited evidence that 2,4-D causes cancer of the breast and other sites in animals. Non Hodgkin's lymphoma have been observed in farmers occupationally exposed to 2,4, D.
* Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans.

Reproductive Hazard

* 2,4-D may damage the developing fetus.
* There is limited evidence that 2,4-D is a teratogen in humans and animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans.
* 2,4-D may decrease fertility in males.

Other Long Term Effects

* Skin allergy to 2,4-D may develop. If this happens, even low future exposure can lead to rash and itching.
* Repeated exposure can lead to patchy areas of loss of skin pigment, and to kidney and liver damage. Lung effects (airway narrowing, emphysema) have also been reported. Thinning of the lining of the throat (atrophy) can also occur from the repeated irritation.

MEDICAL

Medical Testing

If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful:

* Urine test for 2,4-D (should be done shortly after exposure for accuracy).
* Kidney and liver function tests.
* Consider lung function tests.
* Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy.

Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.

Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20.

Mixed Exposures

Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems.

WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES

Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.

In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider:
(1) how hazardous the substance is,
(2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and
(3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible.

In addition, the following controls are recommended:

* Where possible, automatically transfer 2,4-D from drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure during the Manufacture and Formulation of Pesticides #78 174.

Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended:

* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 2,4-D should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 2,4-D.
* On skin contact with 2,4-D, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 2,4-D, whether or not known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 2,4-D is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
* Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP.
* When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate.

The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation.

Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with 2,4-D. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.

Eye Protection
* Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection.

Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134.

* At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
* Exposure to 500 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 500 mg/m3 exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode.

Common Name: 2,4-D
DOT Number: UN 2765
DOT Emergency Guide code: 55
CAS Number: 94-75-7
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY 1 Not Rated
REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated
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POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe

FIRE HAZARDS

* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including toxic fumes of Chlorides.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.

SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES

If 2,4-D is spilled, take the following steps:

* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean up is complete.
* Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 2,4-D as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your State Environmental Program for specific recommendations.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
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HANDLING AND STORAGE

* Prior to working with 2,4-D you should be trained on its proper handling and storage.
* 2,4-D must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area.

FIRST AID

POISON INFORMATION

Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.

Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with soap and water.

Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.

PHYSICAL DATA

Vapor Pressure: 0 mmHg at 68oF (20oC)
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble

OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES

Chemical Name:
Acetic Acid, (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)

Other Names and Formulations:
2,4-PA; Aqua Kleen; Ded Weed; Weed Rhap; Weedone; Esteron.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

2,4-D is a commercially prepared chemical. It has been used to promote latex production from old rubber trees. It has major use as an herbicide to control broadleaf plants in agriculture and in urban landscapes. 2,4-D enters the environment from agricultural and urban runoff.

ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance.

2,4-D has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. As a broadleaf herbicide, 2,4-D can damage and kill a wide variety of plants. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 2,4-D to birds or land animals.

CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical.

2,4-D has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 2,4-D to plants, birds, or land animals.

WATER SOLUBILITY

2,4-D is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.

DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT

2,4-D is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life of between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 91.7% of 2,4-D will eventually end up in water; about 3.3% will end up in aquatic sediments; about 3.5% will end up in terrestrial soil; and the rest will end up in the air.

BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans.

The concentration of 2,4-D found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of 2,4-D in the water from which the fish was taken.

SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.