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. 2013 Feb 26;2013:371610. doi: 10.1155/2013/371610

Table 1.

Summary of reviews of 2,4-D and/or MCPA.

Reference Evaluation Conclusions
Regulatory reviews or reviews in support of regulatory activities

US EPA, SAB [27] Science Advisory Board consultation on carcinogenicity of 2,4-D “Data are not sufficient to conclude that there is a cause and effect relationship between exposure to 2,4-D and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.”

US EPA [28] 4th carcinogenicity of 2,4-D peer review Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity.

WHO/IARC [29] Evaluations of carcinogenic risk Inadequate and/or limited for 2,4-D specifically and chlorophenoxy compounds generally.

US EPA [5] Health Effects Division Carcinogenicity Peer Review Committee (2,4-D) “Evidence is inadequate and cannot be interpreted as showing either the presence or absence of a carcinogenic effect.”

European Commission [30] Review report for 2,4-D Proposed uses have no harmful effects on animal or human health; no evidence of carcinogenicity.

US EPA [3, 4] Risk assessments and reregistration decision for MCPA Limited evidence for carcinogenicity.

US EPA [8] Risk assessments and reregistration decision for 2,4-D Group D, not classifiable as to carcinogenicity.

Health Canada PMRA [31] Reregistration decision for 2,4-D No evidence of carcinogenicity.

Health Canada PMRA [32] Reregistration decision for MCPA No evidence of carcinogenicity.

Health Canada [9] MCPA in drinking water Not considered a carcinogen.

77FR23135 [33] Response to NRDC petition to revoke 2,4-D registration No new evidence that would suggest registration should be revoked.

Nonregulatory reviews

Canadian Centre for Toxicology [34] Expert panel on carcinogenicity of 2,4-D No evidence that 2,4-D forms reactive intermediates in the liver or other tissues or forms adducts with DNA. Existing animal and human data are insufficient to support the finding that 2,4-D is a carcinogen; insufficient evidence that existing uses of 2,4-D pose a significant human health risk.

Kelly and Guidotti [35] Review of literature to advise provincial regulatory body on chlorophenoxy safety, particulary 2,4-D Evidence for a causal association is strongest for NHL and probably reflects either a weak effect or, possibly, a confounding exposure associated with the use of 2,4-D. Given worst-case assumptions, potency of 2,4-D as a carcinogen is probably weak. Its intrinsic toxicity is less than that of alternative herbicides.

Johnson [36, 36] 13 cohort studies (9 cohorts) in chlorophenoxy manufacturing; 16 cohort studies (12 cohorts) in chlorophenoxy spraying The weight of evidence does not unequivocally support an association between use of chlorophenoxys and malignant lymphomas/STS; occupational cohort studies have not accumulated sufficient person-years of observation to date, yet see cases of myeloid lymphoma and STS when none are expected.

Ibrahim et al. [37] Human carcinogenicity of 2,4-D The toxicological data alone do not provide a strong basis for determination of carcinogenicity of 2,4-D. Suggestive although inconclusive evidence for an association between exposure to 2,4-D and NHL based on epi studies and further study was warranted. Little evidence of an association between 2,4-D and STS or HD, and no evidence of an association between 2,4-D use and any other form of cancer.

Munroe et al. [38] Comprehensive, integrated review of 2,4-D safety in humans No evidence for adverse health effects; no mechanistic basis by which 2,4-D could cause cancer.

Morrison et al. [14] Meta analysis of epidemiological studies involving occupational exposures to chlorophenoxy compounds Suggestive evidence of an association with NHL; no evidence for an association with STS, HD, or leukemia.

Bond and Rossbacher [39] Potential carcinogenicity of MCPA, MCPP, 2,4-DP No evidence for carcinogenicity across all three compounds.

Henschler and Greim [40] Comprehensive, integrated review to establish “maximale arbeitsplatz konzentration” Evidence for potential proliferative response; less evidence for genotoxicity.

Gandhi et al. [41] Potential carcinogenicity of 2,4-D Some suggestive evidence for an association with NHL but without any plausible mode of action.

Garabrant and Philbert [42] Comprehensive, integrated review of potential for health effects in humans No causal association of any form of cancer with 2,4-D exposure. Animal studies of acute, subchronic, and chronic exposure to 2,4-D, its salts, and esters showed an unequivocal lack of systemic toxicity at doses that did not exceed renal clearance mechanisms. No evidence that 2,4-D in any of its forms activated or transformed the immune system in animals at any dose.

Bus and Hammond [43] Update on data generated by the Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data Toxicity responses limited to highest doses; not a carcinogen or genotoxicant, does not cause birth defects; low potential for reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity.

Van Maele-Fabry et al. [44] Cohort studies for chlorophenoxy expousures and leukemia Meta-analysis of 3 cohort studies; statistically significant odds ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–2.52; all three underlying studies individually showed non-significant associations.