In a rare move not seen for almost 40 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order suspending all uses of Dacthal weedkiller, which has been linked to serious health risks for unborn babies.

The EPA had made “unprecedented efforts” for years to obtain health risk data from AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the pesticide’s sole manufacturer.

What is Dacthal?

Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), is a herbicide commonly used on crops like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. It has been a staple in agriculture for controlling weeds, but recent findings have raised alarming health concerns.

Health Risks

The EPA has found that exposure to Dacthal can lead to severe health issues for unborn babies, including:

• Low birth weight
• Impaired brain development
• Decreased I.Q.
• Impaired motor skills

People who work on farms are the most at risk of being exposed to this chemical. However, consumers can also be exposed to residue. DCPA can be absorbed by plants, so it goes beyond the surface level.

These risks are particularly concerning for pregnant women who may not realize they are being exposed to the chemical.

The agency estimates that pregnant women handling DCPA products could be subjected to exposures four to 20 times greater than what’s estimated safe for unborn babies.

What’s Next?

The EPA is planning to permanently ban DCPA products. This process could take a few months if there are no objections, but it might take years if the manufacturer challenges the decision. In the meantime, an emergency suspension is in place to prevent further harm.

Some advocacy groups believe the EPA should have acted sooner. A 2019 study by the University of California at Berkeley found that over half of teenage girls from farmworker communities in California’s Salinas Valley had been exposed to DCPA. The chemical has been banned for use on crops in the European Union since 2009.

Beasley Allen is currently investigating the harmful effects of this weedkiller. We will keep you updated on our findings.

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