2,4-D induced clastogenicity and elevated rates of sister chromatid exchanges in cultured human lymphocytes.

Potential for genetic damage in future generations from such widely used hormonic herbicide as 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) is of serious concern. Yet the data, particularly on mammalian systems, continue to be inadequate and inconclusive. An attempt was made in this study to determine the clastogenic and mutagenic potential of 2,4-D in cultured lymphocytes. Chromosome damage though statistically insignificant occurred at dosages as low as 0.2 microgram/ml. Chromosome damage was increased at a statistically significant level whenever the concentration was 50 microgram/ml or higher. Mutagenicity, based on rates of increase in sister chromatid exchanges, was significant at 10 micrograms/ml of higher concentrations. Statistical testing was based o analysis of variance, Dunnett's multiple comparison tests and linear regressions. It seems imperative therefore to avoid indiscriminate use of 2,4-D, and to test the compound for long-range low-level exposures.