
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 27, 1990                   TAG: 9006270261
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

HEALTH RISK CITED IN USE OF WEEDKILLERS

Farmers and homeowners frequently use weedkillers that contain a key ingredient of Agent Orange that may be more harmful than previously thought, scientists told a congressional panel Tuesday.

Scientists told the subcommittee that the ingredient - 2,4-D - causes cancers and other ailments linked to Agent Orange. Evidence shows 2,4-D was also contaminated with harmful compounds, some related to dioxin, according to testimony on the government handling of Agent Orange research.

A so-called phenoxy herbicide, 2,4-D is sold over the counter to kill dandelions and other lawn weeds. Farmers use it against weeds in corn, wheat, rice and sorghum.

Daniel Thau Teitelbaum, a Denver physician who studied industry records as part of the class-action lawsuit by Vietnam veterans against the makers of Agent Orange, noted that use of 2,4,5-T was first discontinued because of concern about birth defects. He said studies were needed on possible birth defects resulting from 2,4-D exposure. - Associated Press

by CNB