As a legacy chemical that was one half of Agent Orange, 2,4-D should be on its way out. But widespread “superweed” resistance to Roundup Ready crops, and a regulatory system complicit in supporting the failed genetically engineered (GE) agricultural model has set us on a course for an unprecedented increase in the use of this herbicide.
Dow AgroSciences has asked EPA to expand 2,4-D uses on its GE corn and soybeans to control Roundup-resistant weeds. Its new product, Enlist Duo, a formulation with 2,4-D and glyphosate (the chemical in Roundup), is set to be sprayed on GE crops across the country, putting agricultural communities and the surrounding environment at risk of toxic exposure from drift and runoff.
2,4-D is associated with increased cancer risks, especially for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also a potent neurotoxin and hormone-disruptor. Studies show that exposure to 2,4-D is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, reduced sperm counts, and birth defects.
Despite claims by Dow that this latest version of 2,4-D is less prone to drift, the risk from increased 2,4-D use threatens non-GE and organic crops, endangered species, and increased drift and runoff will contaminate water and non-target sites. Unfortunately, EPA’s preliminary ecological assessment is filled with data gaps, and does not address concerns of 2,4-D-induced weed resistance, or the potential synergistic and additive effects with a 2,4-D and glyphosate mixture. TELL EPA NO TO MORE 2,4-D!
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