EPA Takes Emergency Action To Ban Popular Weed Killer
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has used emergency action to suspend the use of a pesticide commonly used to control weeds in agricultural applications. It's the first time in 40 years that the EPA has taken emergency action like this. The most at risk for serious health risks are pregnant women.
Pesticide Dimethyl Tetrachloroterephthalate Banned
The emergency suspension of all registrations of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DSCPA or Dacthal) was announced on August 6, 2024.
Biden Administration worked for years to require the submission of data concerning DCPA
The Biden-Harris administration has worked for years to get data and assess risks from the pesticide. There is only one manufacturer of the chemical: AMVAC Chemical Corporation. They have submitted studies over the years that have been deemed insufficient by the EPA.
What are the health risks for DCPA?
The emergency action was to protect unborn babies. Pregnant women who have been exposed (many times without knowing) to DCPA have been shown to have babies with lower birth weights, lower IQs, impaired brain development, and impaired motor skills later in life.
What is DCPA used on?
The primary use of DCPA is for crops like brocollie, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. When the field is sprayed farm workers are exposed to the chemical, including pregnant workers who have been exposed to levels up to 20 times higher than estimated safe levels.
The guidelines for using DCPA is to restrict access to the field for at least 12 hours before entering an area that has been sprayed. However, the EPA has found evidence that DCPA remains at an unsafe level for 25 days or more.
Spray drifting from farm fields could also put people living nearby at risk.
You can read more about the EPA emergency ban from the government website.
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Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh