2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

GENERAL INFORMATION
2,4,5-TP is a white organic powder with little odor. Until Silvex was banned in 1985, the greatest use of 2,4,5-TP was as a post emergence herbicide for control of woody plants and broadleaf herbaceous weeds in rice and bluegrass turf, in sugarcane, in rangeland improvement programs, and on lawns. Aquatic uses included control of weeds in ditches and riverbanks, on floodways, along canals, reservoirs, streams, and along southern waterways. The major source of 2,4,5-TP in drinking water is residue of the banned herbicide.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing silvex in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver problems.

Standard value 1: 
50.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
Pesticide
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
2,4,5-TP levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
2,4,5-TP levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Residue of banned herbicide
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS