Human health effects of 2,4,5-T and its toxic contaminants
R. R. Suskind and V. S. Hertzberg
A clinical epidemiologic study was conducted to determine the long-term
health effects of workplace exposure to the process of manufacturing the
herbicide (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid including contaminants such
as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-rho-dioxin. The population consisted of two
cohorts: 204 clearly exposed and 163 not exposed. Among the exposed,
clinical evidence of chloracne persisted in 55.7%. None of the not exposed
experienced chloracne development. An association was found between the
persistence of chloracne and the presence and severity of actinic elastosis
of the skin. There is an association between exposure and the history of
gastrointestinal tract ulcer. Pulmonary function values among those who
were exposed and who currently smoked were lower than those who were not
exposed and who currently smoked. The data assembled in the study indicate
no evidence of increased risk for cardiovascular disease, hepatic disease,
renal damage, or central or peripheral nervous system problems.
