Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, sweating, fever and diarrhea. Muscle damage with tenderness, weakness and twitching can occur. Other effects include damage to the kidneys and liver and effects on the nerves to the arms and legs, with weakness and poor coordination. Such chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk. In fact there is limited evidence that 2,4-D causes cancer of the breast and other sites in animals.
Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen.
Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. There is limited evidence that 2,4-D is a teratogen in humans and animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. 2,4-D may decrease fertility in males. If this happens, even low future exposure can lead to rash and itching.