The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was founded out of public concern for pollution and environmental degradation. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring sparked a dialogue on pesticide poisoning of humans and the environment. After its formation, the EPA began a safety review process of pesticides and herbicides called “Rebuttable Presumption Against Registration” (RPAR). EPA began the review of risks and benefits of pesticides like 2, 4, 5-T. 2, 4, 5-T is a chlorophenoxy acid herbicide that is no longer registered for use in the United States. Chlorophenoxy herbicides act as plant growth hormones and were used as a defoliants in the Vietnam War. Concerns were raised due to the adverse effects the chemical had on fetuses, and its linkage to cases of leukemia, lung or liver cancer. The Center for Disease Control also reports that those exposed to chlorophenoxy and similar herbicides can experience headache, dizziness, nausea, delayed neuropathy, among other symptoms. The EPA calculations showed that “an ample margin of safety” may not exist for persons applying the pesticide or people exposed to aerial spray. Forestry officials argued against the negative effects of 2, 4, 5-T, and touted its benefit as an effective economic tool for controlling unwanted plant life. Under RPAR provisions, users of 2, 4, 5-T must present evidence negating scientific evidence indicating a potential health hazard from pesticide exposure and present economic benefits.

Citations:
“Origins of the EPA”. The Guardian. 1992. Web. 8 May 2015.

EPA Fact Sheet: Regulatory Status of 2, 4, 5-T. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 215 Fremont Street San Francisco, CA 94105. 2 October 1978. Web. 8 May 2014.

National Biomonitoring Program. Biomonitoring Summary: 2, 4, 5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid. Case No. 93-76-5. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, GA. 4 December 2013. Web. 10 May 2015.