EPA’s Cancellation of Dacthal Pesticide Over Health Risks: What You Need to Know

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step by issuing an emergency order to cancel the registration of Dacthal, a widely used pesticide. This decision has sparked concern among farmers, environmental advocates, and health experts alike. Dacthal, also known as DCPA, has been a go-to weedkiller for various crops, but recent findings have shed light on its potential health risks, particularly for pregnant women and occupational workers.

Understanding Dacthal: Uses and Risks

Dacthal, or DCPA, is a pre-emergent herbicide widely used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. It finds application in various settings, primarily on crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. The pesticide is also used on ornamental turf, strawberries, cotton, and field beans.

While Dacthal has been classified as “practically non-toxic” for acute oral toxicity and dermal irritation, it has been categorized as a Group C possible human carcinogen. This classification is based on an increased incidence of thyroid tumors in rats and liver tumors in female rats and mice.

Recent EPA estimates suggest that pregnant individuals handling Dacthal products could be exposed to levels 4 to 20 times higher than what is considered safe. This exposure could lead to changes in fetal thyroid hormone levels, potentially resulting in low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life.

EPA’s Emergency Order to Cancel All DCPA Products

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken an unprecedented step by issuing an emergency suspension of all registrations for dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), commonly known as Dacthal. This marks the first time in almost 40 years that the EPA has exercised its emergency authority to suspend a pesticide’s use. The decision comes after years of efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to address the risks posed by this chemical.

EPA Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating in a press release announcing the emergency order that DCPA is “so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately.” The agency’s primary concern is the potential for pregnant women to be unknowingly exposed, leading to irreversible lifelong health problems in their babies.

The Path to Permanent Cancelation of Dacthal Pesticide

Following the emergency suspension of Dacthal, the EPA has initiated a process to permanently cancel all products containing DCPA. This move comes after AMVAC, the sole manufacturer of DCPA, decided to voluntarily cancel their registrations. The cancelation process typically involves several steps, including notifying the Department of Agriculture and a scientific advisory board. The EPA must also consider the impact on agricultural production, food prices, and the economy. While this process usually takes time, AMVAC’s voluntary cancelation has expedited the procedure.

Assessing the Safety of Agricultural Chemicals for the Environment and Public Health

The EPA’s emergency order to cancel Dacthal’s registration has a significant impact on agriculture and public health. This decision, driven by concerns about the pesticide’s effects on pregnant women and their babies, highlights the ongoing struggle to balance crop protection with human safety. The move to ban Dacthal forces farmers to look for new weed control methods, which might lead to changes in farming practices and equipment. This shift could potentially revolutionize agricultural approaches, pushing the industry towards more sustainable and health-conscious solutions.

Looking ahead, the permanent cancelation of Dacthal opens up opportunities to rethink pesticide use and regulation. It serves as a wake-up call for the agricultural sector to invest in safer alternatives and more environmentally friendly practices. While the transition might be challenging, it could lead to long-term benefits for both farmers and consumers. The Dacthal case also underscores the need for ongoing research and vigilance in assessing the safety of agricultural chemicals to protect public health and the environment.