About Silvex 2 4 5-TP (silvex) Also know as Fenoprop or Propionic Acid

2,4,5-TP or more popularly known as Silvex is an organic herbicide used to control the growth and population of woody plants and other types of weeds. According to the Weed Science Society of America Herbicide Handbook, 2,4,5-TP is an organic white powder with a low odor.

Silvex Use On Woody Plants and Crops

Silvex, or proprionic acid, has several industrial uses. Before 1985, the chemical was used on crops such as rice and sugarcane and lawns. According to the Farm Chemicals Handbook, it was applied at harvest to cover grains thoroughly.

The United States government banned the use of Silvex in 1985 due to health concerns as it is an environmental contamination.

Also known as Fenoprop, the substance is used to control the weeds near aquatic facilities. Silvex is broadcasted in riverbanks, ditches, and ponds to curb the growth of stubborn weeds. It is also used in areas along reservoirs, streams, floodways, and canals.

How Does It Get Into Your Drinking Water

Just like with most contaminants, 2,4,5-TP or Propionic Acid, can get into your drinking water supply either due to improper waste management, rainwater runoff, or leachate. In some cases, it was directly sprayed into water to control aquatic weeds and woody plants.

What Are the Health Risks Associated with 2,4,5-TP Silvex

While there are no reports associating cancer with exposure to 2,4,5-TP, studies have shown that it can be a hazard to your health. Individuals exposed to the chemical are prone to kidney and liver problems as well as nervous system issues. Continuous exposure to the contaminated drinking water may damage your gastrointestinal tract.

Pregnant women and infants should never drink 2,4,5-Tp contaminated-water because of their delicate condition and potential health effects. The use of contaminated water for bathing may result in skin and eye irritation.

What is the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of Silvex

When it was banned, the following statement gave directions for the occurrence of unsafe levels: “If the levels of 2,4,5-TP exceed the MCL, 0.05 ppm, the system must notify the public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to public health.”

When humans are in contact with residue from pesticides and chlorinated phenoxy acid herbicides, we know that they enter the system. In this citing by Pubmed, children’s urine was tested for chlorinated phenoxy acids and found to be present, showing that in 1995 it was still being absorbed by humans in spite of being banned 10 years prior.

The National Research Council is still doing regular monitoring and reporting on herbicide usage in the United States. With the National Academy Press, they publish a national summit report that is free to download.

How to Eliminate the Contaminant in Your Water Supply

The best way to get rid of 2,4,5-TP in your water supply is by finding the source of the problem. You must also run a complete water test to check the level of contamination present in your drinking water.

If it is detected, install a water filtration system that can remove the contaminant in your feed water. AquaOx’s water filter system is carefully designed to address water issues such as Silvex. Keep your family safe and healthy by investing in a water filtration system today!

Fenoprop, or 2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy) propionic acid, is an herbicide and a plant growth regulator. Fenoprop has been banned from use as an herbicide in the United States since 1985.[1] The name Silvex was used in the USA. The name 2,4,5-TP is used in France and was used in the former USSR (2,4,5-??).

Fenoprop was once used as an herbicide for control of woody plants and broadleaf weeds. Information from Wikipedia.

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Silvex Alternative Names and Derivatives:

Derivative Types: Triethanolamine salt, Propylene glycol butyl ether ester
Additional Names: fenoprop; 2,4,5-TP,
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 650 mg/kg (Bailey, White)
Solubility: organic solvents 100%