ABSTRACT
Chlorphenoxy compounds are used as agricultural herbicides to control broad leave weeds in cereals, green crops, roadside verges, and the area around farm buildings. Chlorphenoxyacetic acid compounds may be absorbed through the skin or inhaled during occupational exposure; in small amounts they may be absorbed orally. Chlorphenoxy compounds uncouple oxidative phosphorilation and decrease oxygen consumption in tissues. They disturb carbohydrate and other metabolism, as well as some endocrine functions. Urine concentrations of chlorphenoxy compounds reflect total body burden, inhalation, and dermal and oral absorption. There are many reports on the toxic effects of chlorphenoxy compounds on the central and peripheral nervous system. Chlorphenoxy compounds enter the body through inhalation and the skin during occupational exposure. Their mechanism of action is related to uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation and decreased oxygen consumption in tissues, as well as to disturbances in carbohydrate and other metabolic processes.
