The classification of the weed killer, 2.4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, known as 2, 4-D, was made by the WHO’s global Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
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“Herbicides like 2,4-D are essential to modern farming, helping us produce more food, control weeds, use less resources and reduce our costs, which ultimately helps the consumer”, McCauley said.
The IARC also classified the insecticide DDT as “probably carcinogenic to humans”.
“IARC has assigned its 2B grouping to many other common products including aloe Vera, coffee and pickled vegetables”, she noted, adding that in findings like this, it’s important to understand how the substances are used.
Gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (Lindane): IARC classified the pesticide as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) based on sufficient evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
The technology not only represents a lucrative opportunity – Dow estimates it could be worth about $1 billion during the life of the product – but it gives farmers more choices to grow their crops without the weed problems increasingly dogging those who depend on Monsanto’s Roundup and other glyphosate sprays.
IARC classifications don’t carry regulatory requirements but can influence regulators, lawmakers and the public. Dow rebuffed the allegation, saying it was inconsistent with government findings in nearly 100 countries that have determined it was safe, including the United States. The company is using both glyphosate and 2.4 D in an herbicide it calls Enlist Duo that received USA approval past year.
Additionally, the group highlighted mechanistic studies provided “strong evidence” the chemical induced oxidative stress in humans, while in-vivo and in-vitro studies showed there was “moderate evidence” it caused immunosuppression.
The WHO’s worldwide Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has categorized dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), lindane and the herbicide 2, 4-D as chemicals that can be linked to Cancer.
“Epidemiological studies found positive associations between exposure to DDT and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular cancer, and liver cancer“, it said in a statement.
Some critics of 2.4-D had expected IARC to classify 2.4 D as “probably” cancer-causing.
According to the 2.4 D Research Task Force, which is comprised of companies holding technical 2, 4-D registrations, the chemical has been continuously studied since its registration in 1947.
“This warning from IARC comes at a critical crossroads for farming worldwide”, Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, senior scientist with the Pesticide Action Network, said in a statement.
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