EPA Sued Over Agent Orange Ingredient

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over their failure to respond to a 2008 petition to ban the use of a neurotoxin that was an ingredient in Agent Orange.

According to the ENews Park forest, the toxic ingredient - known as 2,4-D - has been shown in dozens of scientific studies to cause cancer, cell damage, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, reproductive problems, severe hormonal disruption, and birth defects. Despite such evidence, 2,4-D remains one of the most commonly used pesticides sold throughout the nation.

The EPA has classified 2,4-D as a hazardous air pollutant and the State of California has deemed it a toxic air contaminant. Despite this, it is still legal to apply it to areas such as playgrounds, lawns, and golf courses. It is also used on crops such as corn, rice, wheat, soybeans, oats and sugar canes.

Anyone who comes in contact with surface water of lawns near application of 2,4-D is at risk of being exposed because the ingredient can be absorbed through the skin.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by chemical exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to learn about your options.

Photo courtesy of Dan Lurie via Flic

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