The phenoxy herbicides, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, MCPA, silvex and related materials, are selective herbicides widely used in crop production and in the management of forests, ranges and industrial, urban and aquatic sites. These chemicals are related to naturally occurring plant growth regulators. They kill plants by causing malfunctions in growth processes. Broad-leaved plants are generally susceptible to the phenoxy herbicides, whereas most grasses, coniferous trees and certain legumes are relatively resistant.
The phenoxy herbicides are used to control broad-leaved weeds in wheat, barley, rice, oats, rye, corn, grain sorghums and certain legumes. Such uses increase yields, improve product quality and reduce production costs. The phenoxy herbicides are used in forests to suppress unwanted hardwood trees and brush, to reduce competition with conifers already established or to prepare sites for the regeneration of conifers. They are used on grazing lands to control unpalatable and noxious plants and to kill brush and small trees that reduce the productivity of pastures and ranges. 2,4-D and other phenoxys are used in canals, ponds, lakes and waterways to kill floating weeds such as water hyacinth, submerged weeds such as pond-weeds, and emergent and shoreline plants such as cattails and willows. Industrial and urban uses include control of brush on utility and transportation rights of way, control of dandelions, plantains and other weeds in turf and suppression of ragweed, poison ivy and other plants of public health importance.
The principal hazard in the use of the phenoxys is to crops and other valuable plants either within the treated area or nearby. Treated crops and forest trees can be injured through accidental overdosing, improper timing of treatments, unusual weather conditions and other causes. Injury to nearby crops and ornamentals can result from drift of droplets or vapors of the spray. Such losses are largely preventable through the use of proper formulations and spray equipment and the exercise of good judgment.
The phenoxy herbicides are predominantly toxic to green plants and are much less toxic to mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, shellfish, insects, worms, fungi and bacteria. When properly used, they do not occur in soils and water at levels harmful to animals and microorganisms. They do not concentrate in food chains and do not persist from year to year in croplands. They are detectable only rarely in food and then only in insignificant amounts.
A highly poisonous kind of dioxin called TCDD is an unavoidable contaminant in commercial supplies of 2,4,5-T and silvex. The amount present in currently produced formulations of 2,4,5-T and silvex is not enough to alter the toxicological properties of these preparations or to endanger human health or to affect plants or animals in the environment.
The phenoxy herbicides are widely used because they are more efficient and usually less hazardous and less injurious to the environment than alternative methods. Use of these chemicals is estimated to reduce the cost of production of the crops on which they are used by about 5% and to reduce overall agricultural production costs in the United States by about 1%. Uses in forests and nonagricultural situations provide additional savings. If the phenoxys were no longer available, the cost of food, forest products, electric power, transportation and governmental services would be higher. These costs would be borne by consumers.