ABSTRACT
The isopropyl ester of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is released into the environment during spraying operations using herbicide formulations containing this ester or from spills. The 2,4-D isopropyl ester may get into water from runoff or deposition after spraying operations. The rate of disappearance of the isopropyl ester of 2,4-D from natural waters will be dependent on pH and on the amount of humic materials in the water. Sources of the isopropyl ester of 2,4-D in air are the result of spraying or volatilization from plants, soil or water surfaces after spraying. The isopropyl ester of 2,4-D is degraded in a laboratory test by activated sewage acclimated to 2,4-D. The isopropyl ester is one of the more volatile esters of 2,4-D and will volatilize from surfaces such as foliage to which it is applied. Agricultural workers may mainly be exposed to 2,4-D isopropyl ester dermally and through inhalation routes during spraying operations using this herbicide or its mixture.
