Crossbow is 34.4 % 2,4-D and 16.5% Triclopyr (3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid) plus 49% kerosene (or other inert ingredients) see
label and
msds
Agent Orange was a 50-50 Mix of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid) mixed with inert ingredients including kerosene.
2,4,5-T was removed from the market (if I remember correctly in the early 1970’s). Dioxin in trace amounts was produced along with the 2,4,5-T. Dioxin is not produced with triclopyr, so triclopyr was substituted for the 2,4,5-T in mixtures with 2,4-D. The health effects attributed to Agent Orange have not been see in cases of massive Dioxin exposure, so the connection to the dioxin is weak.
Crossbow is one of the closest pesticides to Agent Orange available today. If you have any doubt about the safety of Agent Orange-like compounds you may want to try Roundup first, if just for the piece of mind.
Roundup is Glyphosate see
msds and
label .
Glyphosate,
2,4-D and
triclopyr all break down quickly in the soil. (These links have Pesticide Information Profiles from the Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University.)
Both 2,4-D and Triclopyr are chlorinated organophosphates. 2,4-D does have nervous system effects and may have Mutagenic and Carcinogenic properties (studies are in conflict).
Glyphosate is an organophosphate and does not have reported Mutagenic, Carcinogenic, or nervious system effects.
Also see
[url]http://infoventures.com/e-hlth/pestcide/pest-fac.html [/url] for pesticide information prepared for the Forest Service. Quotes for Glyphosate and 2,4-D make an interesting comparison:
Glyphosate
<font color=blue>
Protective Precautions for Workers: Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing. Avoid breathing vapors or spray mist. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.</font color=blue>
2,4-D
<font color=blue>
Protective Precautions for Workers: 2,4-D is considered "highly toxic" due to its hazard to the eyes. Workers should wear goggles or a face shield, protective gloves, and protective clothing when handling 2,4-D products. Avoid breathing vapor or spray mist. Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator for protection from pesticide mists. Under emergency conditions, workers should wear a positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. When mixing or loading 2,4-D, workers should wear chemical-resistant gloves. Gloves should be washed with soap and water before removal. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Workers should wash thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking or using tobacco. Individuals with skin lesions, disease, or sensitivity should avoid contact with 2,4-D. No delay after spray has dried is necessary before workers can reenter the treated area. There is some uncertainty as to 2,4-D's reproductive and developmental effects. As a precaution, therefore, the Forest Service advises that female workers should not be employed in back-pack or hack-and-squirt applications of 2,4-D.</font color=blue>
I use Roundup regularly and would use Crossbow if absolutely necessary but would be extremely careful with it (respirator with an appropriate cartridge, disposable hooded coverall, etc..).
Ed
