First EPA emergency order in nearly four decades bans Dacthal pesticide

On August 6, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an unprecedented emergency order suspending all registrations of the pesticide made from dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), commonly known as Dacthal.

This decision follows concerns that the pesticide, widely used in agriculture, poses significant risks to human health, particularly to fetuses.

Dacthal, a herbicide primarily applied to crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions, has been under scrutiny for over a decade. Recent investigations revealed that exposure to Dacthal could result in severe developmental issues for unborn children. The EPA’s latest findings indicate that exposure during pregnancy could lead to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and motor skill deficits.

EPA Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Dacthal is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately.”

“This emergency order it is effective immediately, despite ongoing cancellation proceedings that may take several months,” said Lisa McCormick, a New Jersey environmentalist best known for her spirited challenge to Senator Bob Menendez in the 2018 Democratic primary election. “This marks the first time in nearly 40 years that the EPA has issued such a directive.”

The pesticide’s use has been a significant concern for farmworker safety and public health. Studies have shown that even with protective measures, the levels of Dacthal remaining in treated fields pose an unacceptable risk. The EPA found that residues of the chemical could persist in treated fields for up to 25 days, far beyond the recommended safety period of 12 hours.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation, which tracks pesticide use extensively, confirmed that Dacthal is used in significant quantities in the state, particularly for crops like broccoli and onions. The department has announced that it will enforce the EPA’s suspension and work with agricultural stakeholders to find alternatives.

Environmental and public health advocates have welcomed the EPA’s decision.

McCormick praised the move but noted that other harmful pesticides, such as Paraquat, Glyphosate, and Neonics, remain in use.

She said those chemicals have been linked to various health and environmental issues, including Parkinson’s disease and declines in bee populations.

“Dacthal is especially dangerous for pregnant women. It can harm the development of babies during pregnancy and cause low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills,” said McCormick. “Because of this, EPA ordered the immediate suspension of sale and use of this pesticide.”

McCormick said that in 2022, a Plant and Pest Advisory from Rutgers University warned New Jersey residents about the toxic pesticide, along with other notices from the school in 2023 and 2024.

The EPA’s emergency order underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health. It comes after a prolonged evaluation process that revealed significant gaps in the data submitted by Dacthal’s manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corp.

The company had failed to provide critical studies on the pesticide’s effects on thyroid development, which were only submitted in August 2022, leading to the suspension decision.

AMVAC Chemical Corp. has stated that it is working to comply with the EPA’s order but did not address specific concerns raised by the agency. The company’s response to the order and any potential legal challenges remain to be seen.

The EPA’s action is a significant step in addressing the risks associated with Dacthal, but the agency has indicated that a permanent cancellation of the pesticide could take additional time. The EPA will seek to finalize the cancellation within the next 90 days and continue to monitor the situation as procedural processes unfold.