Baby Safety / Compounds / Mecoprop (MCPP)

Is Mecoprop (MCPP) safe for babies and kids?

Elevated risk for kids

Infants face elevated risk from Mecoprop (MCPP) through dietary residues and environmental drift. Developing organ systems and immature detoxification capacity increase vulnerability.

What is mecoprop (mcpp)?

Also known as: MCPP, Mecoprop-P, Methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid, Kilprop.

CAS number
7085-19-0
Molecular formula
C10H11ClO3
Molecular weight
214.65 g/mol
SMILES
CC1=C(C(=C(C=C1)Cl)NC2=CC=CC=C2C(=O)[O-])Cl.[Na+]
PubChem CID
4038

Risk for babies

Elevated risk

Infants face elevated risk from Mecoprop (MCPP) through dietary residues and environmental drift. Developing organ systems and immature detoxification capacity increase vulnerability.

Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.

What to do: Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

Risk for pregnant and nursing people

Elevated risk

Prenatal exposure to Mecoprop (MCPP) is a concern due to potential endocrine disruption and developmental toxicity. Agricultural communities show higher gestational exposure through drinking water.

Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.

What to do: Minimize exposure during pregnancy and lactation. Consult healthcare provider regarding specific risks. Consider alternative products with lower hazard profiles.

Regulatory consensus

2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Mecoprop (MCPP). The classifications differ — that's the data.

AgencyYearClassificationNotes
IARC2015Group 2B — Possibly carcinogenic to humans
EU2003Approved (mecoprop-P only); racemic mecoprop not approved

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where kids encounter mecoprop (mcpp)

  • Lawn Care
  • Water
  • Building Materials

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Mecoprop (MCPP):

  • Iron-based herbicides (FeHEDTA)
    Trade-offs: Slower activity, requires repeat applications. Only effective on certain broadleaf species. No systemic activity.
    Relative cost: Higher per application
  • Manual weed removal / cultural practices
    Trade-offs: Labor-intensive but eliminates chemical exposure entirely.
    Relative cost: Labor cost only

Frequently asked questions

Is mecoprop (mcpp) safe for kids?

Infants face elevated risk from Mecoprop (MCPP) through dietary residues and environmental drift. Developing organ systems and immature detoxification capacity increase vulnerability.

What should I do if my child is exposed to mecoprop (mcpp)?

Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

See Mecoprop (MCPP) in the baby app

Look up products containing mecoprop (mcpp), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.

Open in baby View raw API data

Sources (2)
  1. IARC Monograph Vol. 113 — DDT, Lindane, and 2,4-D (2015) — iarc
  2. EPA Reregistration Eligibility Decision — MCPP — epa

Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →