killing clover in grass
 

"JimR" wrote in message
...

"Chas Hurst" wrote in message
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"JimR" wrote in message
m...

Weed-b-gone contains 2-4-D, a known carcinogen, and MCPP, a suspected
carcinogen




There is no consensus that 2-4-D is a carcinogen.
Wikipedia's summary:

"the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified
2,4-D among the phenoxy acid herbicides MCPA and 2,4,5-T as a class 2B
carcinogen - possibly carcinogenic to humans. [6] A 1995 panel of 13
scientists reviewing studies on the carcinogenicity of 2,4-D had divided
opinions, but the predominant opinion was that it is possible that 2,4-D
causes cancer in humans.

A 1990 study of farmers in Nebraska, even when adjusting for exposure to
other chemicals, found that 2,4-D exposure substantially increased the
risk of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).[8] A 2000 study of 1517 former
employees of Dow Chemical Company who had been exposed to the chemical in
manufacturing or formulating 2,4-D found no significant increase in risk
of mortality due to NHL following 2,4-D exposure, but did find an increase
in risk of mortality due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis."

Also: "The amine salt formulations can cause irreversible eye damage
(blindness); ester formulations are considered non-irritating to the eyes.
One study found that occupational exposure to 2,4-D caused male
reproductive problems, including dead and malformed sperm.[4]"

Another reliable source is the PAN pesticide directory, in which 2,4-D is
listed as one of their "Bad Actors" with "acute toxicity."

That's quite a string of negatives, especially when you consider there are
non-toxic alternatives available.

But it's no consensus. Carcinogenic and toxic are synonymous.

killing clover in grass
 

"Chas Hurst" wrote in message
...

Correction
But it's no consensus. Carcinogenic and toxic are NOT synonymous.

killing clover in grass
 

"Chas Hurst" wrote in message
...

"Chas Hurst" wrote in message
...

Correction
But it's no consensus. Carcinogenic and toxic are NOT synonymous.


In a weird way you're correct. 2, 4-D is both a carcinogen AND toxic.

It would be more correct to say there is no consensus that 2, 4D is safe --

The reason I point this out is that this is one of the pesticides that has
been widely overused - for example, in this application, where the OP could
have solved his clover problem without using any chemicals at all -- and the
unnecessary use is resulting in homeowner lawn chemicals and other materials
winding up in drinking water supplies.

IMHO, usually this is the result of misuse or overuse by people without bad
intentions, who think they are doing the right thing and think they are
taking normal and prudent precautions.

There are several careful herbicides that are able on clover. Check at your backyard and garden center most or do a Google search. The general purpose broad leaf edger analgesic for lawns is not effective.

Clover in a lawn usually indicates that your lawn is low in nitrogen, as clover doesn't grow in nitrogen rich soil. Try giving your lawn a good nitrogen feed.