Aug 14, 2024EPA orders immediate suspension of Dacthal herbicide
The EPA has issued an emergency suspension of all registrations for the herbicide Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, or DCPA), citing significant health risks to unborn babies. This marks the first time in nearly 40 years that the EPA has taken such an emergency action.
“DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately,” said Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention at the EPA.
The decision follows a 2023 EPA assessment that identified risks even when protective measures were used. The most serious concerns involve potential harm to fetal thyroid development, which could lead to lifelong health issues.
Despite efforts by AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the sole manufacturer of DCPA, to address these risks, the EPA determined that no practical measures could mitigate the dangers. The suspension is effective immediately, and the EPA plans to issue a notice of intent to cancel DCPA products within the next 90 days.
The full order can be viewed online. For more information on how agricultural businesses can obtain details about the order, visit the EPA’s official site.
