Biomonitoring of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide: A global view

We conducted a literature review of urinary 2,4-D in populations not associated with a herbicide application. Of the 33 studies identified, the median/mean concentrations were similar for children, adults, and pregnant women regardless of geography. Individuals with highest concentrations may have had opportunities to directly contact 2,4-D outside of an application. Most studies were conducted in populations in North America and did not examine potential sources of 2,4-D, or what factors might influence higher or lower urinary 2,4-D concentrations. In the future, prioritizing the examination of 2,4-D biomonitoring in other regions and collecting information on sources and factors influencing exposures would better our understanding of 2,4-D exposures globally. In all the studies reviewed the concentrations of urinary 2,4-D observed were orders of magnitude below the US regulatory endpoints, suggesting that people are not being exposed to 2,4-D at levels high enough to result in adverse health effects.