ABSTRACT
This chapter examines herbicide use and the resulting risk to consumers. The most commonly used herbicides will be examined to assess toxicity and cancer-causing potential. The processes of registration and regulation of herbicide use will be examined. Finally, case reports of accidental or experimental animal contact with herbicides will be reviewed so that the risk-benefit aspect of herbicide use can be more clearly evaluated. Because of its structure, the chemical would be expected to share potential environmental or health-related effects with other chemicals in this class of herbicides. The inorganic herbicides are generally water soluble and are applied as water solutions, oil-water emulsions, or in dry form. They are not retained in the soil, and are used at very low application rates. Organic arsenical herbicides are derivatives of methanearsonic acid. All formulations are 100% water soluble, and are used as postemergent herbi-cides for broadleaf weed control in cotton fields.
