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EPA halts sale of pesticide DCPA due to risks to unborn babies

By Austin Williams
Published  August 7, 2024 8:07pm CDT
Health
FOX TV Digital Team

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The Brief 

    • EPA halts sale of pesticide DCPA due to risks to unborn babies.
    • The pesticide, used on crops like broccoli and cabbage, can cause irreversible fetal damage.
    • Emergency authority was invoked due to insufficient health data from the manufacturer.

LOS ANGELES - For the first time in approximately 40 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exercised its emergency authority to stop the sale of a weed-killing pesticide, DCPA, or Dacthal. 

This action was taken due to significant health concerns regarding the pesticide's potential to harm fetal development, including causing impaired brain development and low birthweight.

Why did the EPA stop the sale of DCPA?

The EPA decided to halt the sale of DCPA after assessing its risks and finding it could cause irreversible damage to fetuses, including impaired brain development and low birthweight. 

The agency was unable to obtain crucial health data from the pesticide's manufacturer in time, leading to the conclusion that it was not safe to continue its sale.

"In this case, pregnant women who may never know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems," said Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

What is DCPA and how is it used?

DCPA, also known as Dacthal, is a pesticide primarily used on crops such as broccoli, cabbage, and other vegetables. In 2023, the EPA evaluated the pesticide and found it to be dangerous, even when workers wore personal protective equipment. 

The pesticide's manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corp., had recommended that people stay off treated fields for 12 hours, but the EPA discovered that dangerous levels of DCPA could remain for over 25 days.

What actions did the EPA take?

The EPA issued an emergency order to halt the sale of DCPA because the standard review process would take too long and leave people at risk. 

This emergency action underscores the severity of the potential health risks posed by the pesticide. Despite the manufacturer's proposal for new safety protocols, including longer waiting periods and handling limits, the EPA deemed these measures insufficient.

The Source 

  • This article is based on an announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency and statements made by Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Additional information was sourced from EPA assessments and comments from AMVAC Chemical Corp. The Associated Press contributed to this report.