Review Article

A Systematic Review of Carcinogenic Outcomes and Potential Mechanisms from Exposure to 2,4-D and MCPA in the Environment

Table 10

Summary of biomonitoring studies.

ReferenceMeasuredActivityUrine Concentration (μg/L)Notes

Frank et al. [213]Forestry workers involved in aerial application of 2,4-DDuring 2 weeks of sprayingHigh of 323ND within one week following spraying
PostsprayHigh of 326

Yeary [214]45 lawn applicators in four areasArea 13.2 (0.1)Mean (SD)
Area 26.3 (1.8)Mean (SD)
Area 30.35 (0.5)Mean (SD)
Area 41.38 (0.5)Mean (SD)

Lavy et al. [215]Forestry workers using four different application methods and conventional versus protective equipmentBackpack (conventional)73.15 (1.51)Range (35.8–183.7)
Backpack (protective)81.09 (1.71)Range (30.1–244.5)
Injection bar (conventional)6.12 (2.48)Range (1.4–33.6)
Injection bar (protective)2.48 (3.28)Range (0.4–12.1)
Hypohatchet (conventional)45.62 (3.14)Range (1.8–262.9)
Hypohatchet (protective)25.14 (2.79)Range (0.7–103.5)
Hack-squirt (conventional)9.08 (5.82)Range (0.4–140.8)
Hack squirt (protective)2.99 (7.48)Range (0.1–60.3)

Harris et al. [216, 217]Turf applicators of 2,4-D and bystandersBystanders<4ND

Knopp [154]2,4-D production and manufacturingProduction workers736 (1.3)GM (GSD)

Figgs et al. [201]2,4-D in applicators204 spraying hours240Mean (range = 12–1285)

Garry et al. [124]State licensed pesticide applicatorsBackpack185GM (GSD not provided; range 28–1700; next highest 890)
Boom spray203GM (GSD not provided; range 86–290)
Aerial24GM (GSD not provided; range ND–97)
Skidder12GM (GSD not provided; range 0.85–58)

Arbuckle et al. [218]2,4-D in urine of farm applicatorSelf-reported use on application day27.36 (72.48)Mean (SD). Model explained 39% of variability in urine levels.
2,4-D in urine of farm applicatorNo application2.58 (7.99)
MCPA in urine of farm applicatorSelf-reported use on application day44.9 (110.36)
MCPA in urine of farm applicatorNo application1.27 (2.28)

Hines et al. [219]2,4-D in urine of applicatorGround boom application12.8 (1.7)GM (GSD)
2,4-D in reference populationReference1210% detected

Curwin et al. [220]NonfarmerNo application0.29 (3.6)GM (GSD);

FarmerNo application0.48 (4.1)GM (GSD);
Curwin et al. [220]FarmerApplication by others1.6 (7.3)GM (GSD);
FarmerApplicator13 (7.1)GM (GSD);

Arbuckle 2006 [221]2,4-D in urine of farming families in OntarioPreapplication2.16 (5.14)GM (SD) includes MCPA and 2,4-D (ELISA method does not distinguish). Application rates, and so forth. not specified.
24 hrs post application9.10 (5.02)
48 hrs post application8.55 (5.68)
Spouse preapplication1.10 (3.48)
Spouse 24 hrs post0.93 (3.21)
Spouse 48 hours post1.08 (4.84)
Child preapplication1.44 (3.65)
Child 24 hrs post0.90 (4.32)
Child 48 hrs post1.46 (2.32)

Acquavella et al. [222]Farm family exposure study to 2,4-DSelf-reported use on application day; application method not reported64GM (GSD not provided; range 2–1856)

Alexander et al. [223]Farm families in Minnesota and South CarolinaApplicator71.9 (6.2)GM (GSD); range 1.5–2236
Spouse1.7(3.2)Range 0.5–24.9
Children4.9 (4.5)Range ND–640.6

Bhatti et al. [224]31 seasonal 2,4-D applicatorsNoxious weed control for 12 weeks259.4 (431.7)Mean (SD)
31 seasonal 2,4-D applicatorsNoxious weed control for 12 weeks63.4 (8.1)GM (GSD)

Thomas et al. [225]Agricultural Health StudyPreapplication7.8 (4.7)GM (GSD); min ND–max = 210
Day 125 (4.1)GM (GSD); min 1.6–max = 970
Day 226 (3.7)GM (GSD); min 2.2–max = 1000
Day 323 (4.1)GM (GSD); min 1.3–max = 840
Day 427 (4.40GM (GSD); min 1.1–max = 1700
Day 517 (5.5)GM (GSD); min 0.8–max = 2500

Morgan et al. [226]General public, childChild (NC)50th-0.5, 95th-1.9 , 88% detectable levels
General public, childChild (OH)50th-1.2, 95th-4.3 , 97% detectable levels
General public, adultAdult (NC)50th-0.7, 95th-2.8 , 86% detectable levels
General public, adultAdult (OH)50th-0.7, 95th-3.3 , 87% detectable levels

Aylward et al. [26] (NHANES)General public, child6–11 years50th-0.2, 95th-1.5550th = detection level
General public, young adult12–19 years50th-0.2, 95th-1.450th = detection level
General public, adult20–59 years50th-0.2, 95th-1.2450th = detection level

ExpoCastDB 2,4-D [227]General public NCUnknown0.5 (2.66)GM (GSD); range 0.23–6.65.
General public OH0.8 (2.79)GM (GSD); range 0.44–42.9