National Drinking Water Database
National Drinking Water Database - Chemical Contaminants
2,4,5-T
Status: Unregulated - EPA has not established a maximum legal limit in tapwater for this contaminant.
2,4,5-T is an herbicide banned in 1985; it was formerly used in homes and on recreational areas, industrial sites, lumber yards, vacant lots, lawns and turf, and crops including rice.
Detected |
Found above health guidelines |
Found above legal limit |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| States | 3 |
- |
- |
| Water utilities | 5 |
- |
- |
| People Served | 17,996 |
- |
- |
Health Concerns for 2,4,5-T:
- Neurotoxicity
- Allergies/immunotoxicity
- Developmental/reproductive toxicity
- Cancer
- Persistence and bioaccumulation
- Endocrine disruption
- Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
- Occupational hazards
- Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
- Ecotoxicology
2,4,5-T Exposure by State
Water utilities in 3 states have reported detecting 2,4,5-T in treated tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies.
| State | Water Suppliers with 2,4,5-T contamination | |
|---|---|---|
| Systems | Population | |
| California | 1 | 11,510 |
| Maryland | 3 | 5,782 |
| Arkansas | 1 | 704 |
| Total | 5 | 17,996 |
The Most Polluted Communities
5 water utilities reported detecting 2,4,5-T in tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies
Ranked by highest average 2,4,5-T level
| Rank | System | Population Served | Positive test results of total reported tests | Average Level (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hart Heritage Street, MD | 37 | 1 of 1 | 0.47 ppb (0.47 ppb) |
| 2 | Briercrest Apartments Jefferson, MD | 45 | 1 of 3 | 0.25 ppb (0 to 0.76 ppb) |
| 3 | Midland-Lonaconing Lonaconing, MD | 5,700 | 1 of 5 | 0.05 ppb (0 to 0.26 ppb) |
| 4 | Cwsc King City San Jose, CA | 11,510 | 1 of 17 | 0.03 ppb (0 to 0.55 ppb) |
| 5 | Imboden Waterworks Imboden, AR | 704 | 1 of 3 | < 0.01 ppb (0 to 0.03 ppb) |
Health Based Limits for 2,4,5-T
| Standard | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime health-based limit, non-cancer risk | Concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse, noncarcinogenic health effects for a lifetime of exposure. The Lifetime health-based limit (or Health Advisory, HA) is based on exposure for a a 70-kg adult consuming 2 liters of water per day. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 70 ppb |
| Health-Based Screening Level | A benchmark concentration of contaminants in water that may be of potential concern for human health, if exceeded. For noncarcinogens, the HBSL represents the contaminant concentration in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse effects over a lifetime of exposure. For carcinogens, the HBSL range represents the contaminant concentration in drinking water that corresponds to an excess estimated lifetime cancer risk of 1 chance in 1 million to 1 chance in 10 thousand. Source: U.S. Geological Survey. | 70 ppb |
| Drinking Water Equivalent Level | A lifetime exposure concentration protective of adverse, noncarcinogenic health effects, that assumes all of the exposure to a contaminant is from drinking water. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 350 ppb |
| Children's health-based limit for 1-day exposure | Concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse, noncarcinogenic health effects for up to one day of exposure. The One-Day health-based limit (or Health Advisory, HA) is typically set to protect a 10-kg child consuming 1 liter of water per day. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 800 ppb |
| Children's health-based limit for 10-day exposure | Concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse, noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure. The Ten-Day health-based limit (or Health Advisory, HA) is typically set to protect a 10-kg child consuming 1 liter of water per day. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 800 ppb |
Testing Summary for 2,4,5-T
| Are tests routinely required for 2,4,5-T by federal law? | No |
| Water suppliers reporting tests for 2,4,5-T (2004-2009): | 3,239 of 47,576 |
| Average testing rate for water supplier reporting tests (2004-2009): | 0.3 per year |
Neurotoxicity
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity | Chemicals known to be neurotoxic to humans |
| Moderate evidence of human neurotoxicity | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
Allergies/immunotoxicity
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Human skin toxicant or allergen - strong evidence | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
Developmental/reproductive toxicity
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Limited evidence of reproductive toxicity | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| Human nervous system toxicant - moderate evidence | Chemicals known to be neurotoxic to humans |
| Limited evidence of developmental toxicity | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Limited evidence of nervous system toxicity | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Limited evidence of reproductive toxicity | A Relational Database of Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases, 1996 |
Cancer
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Cancer - moderate evidence - musculoskeletal | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cancer - limited evidence | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 1987 |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Phytochemistry 1972 |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Journal of Heredity 1973 |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Mutation Research 1979 |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins 1978 |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Archives of Toxicology 2000 |
| One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Microbiology Series 1981 |
| One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 1995 |
| One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Mutation Research 1979 |
| One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins 1978 |
| One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 2000 |
| One or more in vitro tests on microorganisms show positive mutation results | RTECS®- Phytochemistry 1972 |
Persistence and bioaccumulation
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife and humans | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
Endocrine disruption
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Human disruptor - moderate evidence | European Commission on Endocrine Disruption |
| Limited evidence of endocrine disruption | Illinois EPA, 1997 |
| endocrine - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed/unreview: published lit review or major tox study | Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System |
Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Possible human hematologic toxicant | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Classified as toxic or harmful | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Limited evidence of gastrointestinal or liver toxicity | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| reproductive - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed/unreview: published lit review or major tox study | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
Occupational hazards
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses | RTECS®- TLV/BEI,2007 |
Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Classified as irritant | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
Ecotoxicology
| Type of concern: | Reference: |
| Wildlife and environmental toxicity | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Wildlife and environmental toxicity | Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System |
Government, industry, academic studies and classifications
| government/industry list/academic study | appears on list as | classification(s) |
| European Union - Classification & Labelling | 2,4,5-T | •Harmful •Harmful if swallowed •Irritant (eyes, skin, or lungs) •Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin •Dangerous for the environment •Very toxic to aquatic organisms |
| Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics | AGENT ORANGE | • P |
| Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System | 2,4,5-T | •EPA: probable endocrine disruptor |
| European Commission on Endocrine Disruption | 2,4,5-T = 2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOXYACETICACID | HH-CAT2;WF-CAT3b |
| National Library of Medicine HazMap | 2,4,5-T | •Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male and female reproductive function: Yes; •Restricted - Regulations that have banned or restricted the use of the agent: All uses in the U.S. canceled in 1985; [EPA Pesticides, p. 95]; •Hepatotoxin: Hepatotoxin, Secondary; •PEL (OSHA) - Permissible exposure limit (OSHA): 10 mg/m3; •Bioaccumulates: Yes; •IARC Carcinogen - International Agency for Research on Cancer; classifies chemicals as established (1), probable (2a), or possible (2b) human carcinogens: Possible Carcinogen; •TLV (ACGIH) - Threshold limit value (ACGIH): 10 mg/m3; •IDLH (NIOSH) - Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health: 250 mg/m3; •MAK - Maximum Allowable Concentration (Federal Republic of Germany): 10 mg/m3, inhalable fraction; |
| A Relational Database of Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases, 1996 | 2,4,5-T | •Reproductive toxicity hazards: suspected |
| Illinois EPA, 1997 | 2,4,5-T | •Endocrine toxicity hazards: suspected |
| RTECS®- TLV/BEI,2007 | 2,4,5-T | • occupationally related - ACGIH TLV (human TWA) |
| RTECS®- Archives of Toxicology 2000 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Cytogenetic Analysis (mouse ipr) |
| RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins 1978 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Cytogenetic Analysis (gerbil par) • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Sex Chromosome Loss and Nondisjunction (Drosophila melanogaster unr) |
| RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins 1978 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Mutation in Micro-organism (Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) |
| RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 1987 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Cytogenetic Analysis (hamster ovr) • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Sister Chromatid Exchange (hamster ovr) |
| RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 1995 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: (Drosophila melanogaster mul) |
| RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 2000 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: (Drosophila melanogaster ) |
| RTECS®- Journal of Heredity 1973 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Cytogenetic Analysis (mammal ipr) |
| RTECS®- Microbiology Series 1981 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Mutation in Micro-organism (Bacillus subtilis ) |
| RTECS®- Mutation Research 1979 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Cytogenetic Analysis (Drosophila melanogaster orl) • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: Sex Chromosome Loss and Nondisjunction (Drosophila melanogaster orl) |
| RTECS®- Phytochemistry 1972 | 2,4,5-T | • mutagenic - Positive mutation assay: DNA Damage (salmon spr) |
references
| government/industry list/academic study | reference |
| European Union - Classification & Labelling | CPS&Q (Consumer Products Safety & Quality) formely known as ECB (European Chemicals Bureau). 2008. Classification and Labelling: Chemicals: Annex VI of Directive 67/548/EEC through the 31st ATP. |
| Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics | AOEC (Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics). 2009. AEOC exposures codes and asthmagen designation. |
| Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System | Illinois EPA (Illinois Environmental Protection Agency). 2000. Preliminary list of chemicals associated with endocrine system effects in animals and humans (*) or in vitro (+). In EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) 2000. Handbook for Non-Cancer Health Effects Valuation, Appendix C. |
| European Commission on Endocrine Disruption | EU (European Union)- Strategy for Endocrine Disrupters 2007. Commision on endocrin disruption requested by the European Parliament in 1998. |
| National Library of Medicine HazMap | NLM (National Library of Medicine). 2006. HazMap — Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Agents. |
| Scorecard.org Toxicity Information | A Relational Database of Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases. Browse Haz-Map by Adverse Effects http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/hazmapadv.html, Jankovic, J. A Screening Method for Occupational Reproductive Health Risk. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 57: 641-649. 1996. |
| Scorecard.org Toxicity Information | Illinois EPA. Endocrine Disruptors Strategy. 1997. (Table 1: Preliminary List of Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System Effects in Animals and Humans or In Vitro). http://www.nihs.go.jp/hse/environ/illiepatable.htm, Japanese National Institute of Health Sciences. Lists of Paradigmatic Chemicals. http://www.nihs.go.jp/hse/endocrine-e/paradigm/paradigm.html, Keith, L.H. (ed.). Environmental Endocrine Disruptors. John Wiley & Sons, NY. 1997. http://www.wileyeurope.com/cda/product/0,,0471191450%7Cdesc%7C3037,00.html |
| RTECS®- TLV/BEI,2007 | RTECS®- TLV/BEI,2007 |
| RTECS®- Archives of Toxicology 2000 | RTECS®- Archives of Toxicology. (Springer-Verlag, Heidelberger Pl. 3, D-1000 Berlin 33, Fed. Rep. Ger.) V.32- 74,560,2000 |
| RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins 1978 | RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins. (Editorial Service of FRN, Box 6710, S-11385, Stockholm, Sweden) No.19- 27,182,1978 |
| RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins 1978 | RTECS®- Ecological Bulletins. (Editorial Service of FRN, Box 6710, S-11385, Stockholm, Sweden) No.19- 27,193,1978 |
| RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 1987 | RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis. (Alan R. Liss, Inc., 41 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003) V.10- 10(Suppl 10),1,1987 |
| RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 1995 | RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis. (Alan R. Liss, Inc., 41 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003) V.10- 25,148,1995 |
| RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 2000 | RTECS®- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis. (Alan R. Liss, Inc., 41 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003) V.10- 36,40,2000 |
| RTECS®- Journal of Heredity 1973 | RTECS®- Journal of Heredity. (American Genetic Assoc., 818 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 20006) V.5- 1914- 64,213,1973 |
| RTECS®- Microbiology Series 1981 | RTECS®- Microbiology Series. (Marcel Dekker, 270 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016) V.1- 5,93,1981 |
| RTECS®- Mutation Research 1979 | RTECS®- Mutation Research. (Elsevier Science Pub. B.V., POB 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands) V.1- 65,83,1979 |
| RTECS®- Phytochemistry 1972 | RTECS®- Phytochemistry. An International Journal of Plant Biochemistry. (Pergamon Press Inc., Maxwell House, Fairview Park, Elmsford, NY 10523) V.1- 11,3135,1972 |
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