WHO Says Weed Killer ‘Possibly’ Causes Cancer, Is Dow AgroSciences 2,4-D Chemical Herbicide Safe?

Dow AgroSciences weed killer, 2,4-D, “possibly” causes cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The chemical herbicide is widely used on American farmers. The 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid weed killer was recently reviewed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The Dow weed killer, 2,4-D, has now been classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the IARC. The classification is just one step below the “probably carcinogenic” category. The findings of the WHO and IARC study have been highly anticipated by both American consumer groups and environmental activists that have been lobbying for far more stringent regulations relating to the chemical herbicide. Some farmers have defended the use of 2,4-D and claim that the weed killer created by the biotech giant is a necessary agent in food production.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the new version of Dow’s 2,4-D, Enlist Duo, in 2014. A competing chemical herbicide produced by Monsanto was deemed “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the IARC in March. The new designation was levied because glyphosate is used in the popular Roundup Ready weed killer. Enlist Duo also reportedly contains glyphosate.

IARC classifications do not have the power to initiate regulatory requirements, but have influenced both lawmakers and the public in the past. Both Monsanto and Dow regularly donate to the political campaigns of Democratic and Republican candidates.

In a statement released by Dow after the IARC weed killer report states that the biotech company feels the possible cancer-causing designation issued is “inconsistent with government findings in nearly 100 countries.”

“When used according to label directions. Enlist Duo is safe for everyone, including infants, the developing fetus, the elderly, and more highly exposed groups such as agricultural workers,” an EPA statement issued after the 2,4-D approval was granted, said.

The IARC also said that epidemiological studies provided “strong evidence that 2,4-D induces oxidative stress… and moderate evidence that 2,4-D causes immunosuppression.” The Pesticide Action Network North America stated that the 2,4-D classification highlights the possible dangers of Enlist Duo and proves that a need exists for a “much more rigorous regulatory process.”

https://youtu.be/FP-Ypqwrgmk

Superweeds, possibly caused by genetically modified plants and glyphosate chemical pesticides, are a growing problem for American farmers. Increased exposure to chemical herbicides has often been blamed for the towering and light-blocking weeds, which can grow up to 10 feet tall.

What do you think about the use of chemical herbicides which contain glyphosate and 2,4-D, and the possible cancer causing warning about Enlist Duo?

[Image via Shutterstock]