LYON, FRANCE -- Last week the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) listed the pesticide 2,4-D as a "2B-possible" carcinogen. The 2,4-D Research Task Force responded to the ranking, saying the IARC classification of 2,4-D as a possible carcinogen is at odds with comprehensive cancer reviews completed by health and safety regulators worldwide.
"No regulatory agency in the world considers 2,4-D to be a carcinogen," said Dr. Julie Goodman, an epidemiologist, board certified toxicologist, and consultant to the 2,4-D Research Task Force. Dr. Goodman was an observer throughout the IARC meeting, which took place here June 2-9.
Pesticide 2,4-D has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies and regulatory reviews. Government regulatory agencies charged with protection of public health in more than 100 countries have evaluated the science and concluded that 2,4-D does not increase health risks when used as directed. In fact, no government in the world considers it a carcinogen, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the European Food Safety Authority, Health Canada, and the WHO (which oversees IARC).
USA Rice is a member of the 2,4-D Task Force and has filed comments supporting the continued use of the product in rice.