Re: [RML] The most poisonous substance?

Mach T. Fukada (fukada at hawaii.edu)
Sun, 19 Jul 1998 14:42:55 -1000

Actually the dioxins in agent orange and 2,4-D are contaminants in the
process of producing the compounds. The pure substance (2,4-D) is an
intresting compound in terms of what it will do to plants. At a low
concentration it will actually act like an auxin and cause advantageous
root formation. At higher concentrations it will cause root death and thus
plant death. Also it appears that it has selective properties that make it
function on broad leaf plants (dicots) more than grasses. However, it has
also been noted that different formulations (addition of a different
functional group (ester, alcohol, acid, etc.) could have different
toxicitiy and rates of absorbtion.

MTF

>At 16:18 19/07/98 +1000, you wrote:
>>Another interesting article about chemicals and deformaties.
>>
>>Yolonde
>>
>>http://whyfiles.news.wisc.edu/025chem_weap/dioxin3.html
>
>If I remember right dioxin was the active ingredient in 245-T and was used
>extensively as a herbicide in Australia (and all over the world) in the cane
>growing areas of North Queensland. In Vietnam this herbicide (Agent Orange)
>was used at strengths not allowed in agriculture. Deformities have been well
>documented in all animal species. Some farmers also suffered long-term
>effects from consistent use. I believe it is now a banned substance all over
>the world. One would think that mankind learnt his lesson but unfortunately
>we haven't. We must always remember that if we forget history we will be
>doomed to relive it again.
>
>Adrian.
>
> ...............................................................
> Adrian R. Tappin
> "Home of the Rainbowfish"
> http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm
>
> ...............................................................

Mach T. Fukada, Web Master
fukada at hawaii.edu
Honolulu Aquarium Society
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/2948/HASF.html