EPA Emergency Order Halts All Use of Dacthal Herbicide

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|August 8, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the emergency suspension of all registrations for the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This is the first time in almost 40 years EPA has taken this type of emergency action, according to the government agency.

EPA claims the action was taken because unborn babies whose pregnant mothers are exposed to DCPA could experience changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels, and these changes are generally linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life, some of which may be irreversible.

When serious risks are identified, EPA can take action under FIFRA to suspend or cancel a pesticide.

“Farmworkers face burdensome conditions in the fields and often face exposure to harmful pesticides while working to feed our nation,” says Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva. “I applaud the emergency action by the EPA which prioritizes farmworker health and safety, especially for pregnant women, by suspending this harmful chemical from our agricultural systems. We must continue to build on this progress and ensure all farmworkers are given the protection, worker’s rights, and overtime pay they deserve.”