Chlorinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in foliage after application of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid esters.

Six reforestation areas were sprayed with 2,4,5-T esters. Leaf samples from the areas were analyzed for the esters, tetrachlorodioxin, and dehalogenated phenoxyacetic acid esters. Tetrachlorodioxin was found in one leaf sample only, but the level found, relative to the amount of 2,4,5-T ester found, was lower than in the formulation material used in the study. The concentration of the dichlorophenoxyacetic acid esters present in several leaf samples was greater, relative to the 2,4,5-T ester, which indicated a photochemical breakdown of the 2,4,5-T in the environment.