ABSTRACT
The isooctyl ester of 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) is a herbicide used for the control of shrubs and trees, generally by ground or air spraying. It is released into the environment during spraying operations, or from spills. 2,4,5-T, isooctyl ester can rapidly hydrolyze in acidic soil by what is thought to be a soil catalyzed reaction. All of the ester may be converted to the acid in about a day unless the temperature is low. Phenoxy herbicide esters adsorb extensively to flocculated humic acids, soils and sediment [3,4] with the degree and strength of adsorption increasing with the number of carbons in the alcohol moiety. The most probable route of exposure to the isooctyl ester of 2,4,5-T would be inhalation and dermal exposure of workers involved in the manufacture, handling or application of herbicide formulations which contain this ester. Agricultural workers may be exposed to 2,4,5-T, isooctyl ester during spraying operations using herbicides containing this chemical.
