HERB/PEST INFO

   PESTICIDES

SOC–Synthetic Organic Compounds:  In the SOC set you will see the following tests: EPA 504.1 EDB/DBCP, EPA 505 Chlorinated Pesticides/PCBs, EPA 515.4 Chlorinated Herbicides, EPA 525.2 Semivolatile Organic Compounds, EPA 531.2 Carbamates, EPA 547 Glyphosate, EPA 548.1 Endothall, and EPA 549.2 Diquat.   

VOC–Volatile Organic Compounds

Photo courtesy of www.usda.gov

Herbicide compounds we test for in drinking water:

We also test for a variety of herbicide compounds in matrices such as soil, wastewater, and sludge.

The information below is only a summary of each compound’s characteristics/health risks.  For more specific information, see the product manufacturer or visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov

2,4-D: It is a colorless and odorless organic compound used for broadleaf and woody weeds. The EPA has found that 2,4-d (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) causes nervous system damageand can eventaully (after long-term exposure) also cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Dalapon: It is a colorless liquid (w/ odor) organic salt used to control grasses The EPA has found that dalapon (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) can cause enlarged kidneys (realative to body weight) over a lifetime of exposure.

Dinoseb: It is a yellowish (w/ odor) organic solid used as a contact herbicide and as an insecticide. The EPA has found that dinoseb (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) can cause headaches and over a lifetime of exposure can cause thickening of the intestinal tract and decreased body and thyroid weight. 

Diquat: It is a colorless or yellowish organic compound used for both aquatic and crop weeds. It is a plant growth regualtor. The EPA has found that diquat (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) causes dehydration and can eventaully (after long-term exposure) cause cataracts.

Endothall: It is a white, odorless organic compound used for both aquatic and terrestrial weeds. The EPA has found that endothall (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) causes depressed breathing and heart rate and eventually increase the size of some internal organs.

Glyphosate: It is a white, odorless organic compound used on both crops and roadsides. Most people commonly know it as Round-UpTM.  It is mostly used to control boadleaf weeds and grasses. The EPA has found that glyphosate (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) causes congestion in the lungs and an increased breathing rate and may eventually cause kidney damage.

Pentachlrophenol (PCP): It is a white organic compound with a phenolic odor used as a fungicide. It’s most common use is to preserve wood.  The EPA has found that PCP (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) causes damage to the central nervous system. Over a long period of exposure it can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. In rare cases it causes cancer.

Picloram: It is an organic compound with a chlorine-like odor used for weed and brush control. It’s most common use is to control rangeland brush. The EPA has found that Picloram (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) causes damage to the central nervous system, weakness, and diarrhea. Over a long period of exposure it can cause damage to the liver.

Silvex (2,4,5-TP): It is an white organic compound with little odor used for broadleaf weed and woody plant control. . The EPA has found that Silvex (in exposure over the Maximum Contamination Limit, or MCL) causes damage to the nervous system, weakness, and stomach irritation. Over a long period of exposure it can cause minor damage to the liver and kidneys.