For the first time in almost 40 years the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Emergency Order to Stop the use of Pesticide Dacthal. On August 6th the EPA announced the emergency suspension of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
DCPA is a pesticide registered to control weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. DCPA is also used on certain vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, broccoli and Brussel sprouts, commonly used by farmers.
DCPA is a pesticide registered to control weeds. DCPA is also used on certain vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.
DCPA is currently undergoing registration review which is a process that is required every 15 years for registered pesticides. This process of review ensures that the registered pesticides cause no unreasonable health effects on human health or the environment.
Why Was the Stop-Use Put in Place?
The emergency suspension comes as a result of an assessment conducted by the EPA of a thyroid study submitted by AMVAC Chemical Corporation (sole manufacturer of DCPA). The assessment determined there were health risks associated with the use and application of DCPA, even with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls.
The assessment determined there were health risks associated with the use and application of DCPA, even with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls.
A big area of concern is the health risk for unborn babies, where exposure could cause changes to the fetal thyroid hormone levels, impaired brain development, lower IQs, impaired motor skills and low birth weight.
A big area of concern is the health risk for unborn babies…
What Now?
The emergency suspension orders take place immediately and the EPA intends to issue a notice of intent to cancel the DCPA products within the next 90 days.
the EPA intends to issue a notice of intent to cancel the DCPA products within the next 90 days.
Be sure to check your chemical inventory list to make sure it’s not a chemical that is used at your place of work. If it is found, notify all employees to immediately stop using it and make a plan to dispose of it safely. If unsure of how to dispose of DCPA products properly, promptly contact a professional health and safety consultant.