US EPA Orders Immediate Nationwide Ban on DCPA

On August 6, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a landmark emergency order banning the pesticide DCPA (also known as Dacthal) nationwide. This unprecedented action – the first in nearly four decades – halts all registrations, sales, and production of DCPA products, addressing concerns across human health, agriculture, and the chemical industry.

Evaluating the Implications and Risks of DCPA Use

DCPA is primarily used to control weeds in crops such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and onions. AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the only producer of DCPA, provided critical thyroid function studies and other research in 2022 at the EPA's request. However, due to missing key data, the EPA temporarily suspended all DCPA product registrations in 2023 until further information was submitted.

In its 2023 risk assessment, the EPA emphasized that despite protective measures, DCPA poses significant health risks to pregnant women and their fetuses. Consequently, the EPA has issued an immediate suspension and plans to cancel the registrations of DCPA products within 90 days.

Bolstering Farm Worker Safeguards and Women's Rights

In a decisive action, EPA leaders stressed their commitment to public health, particularly safeguarding pregnant women and unborn children from unnoticed exposure to DCPA. This chemical is linked to irreversible health issues such as low birth weight and developmental impairments.

EPA officials also emphasized the need for enhanced protections for farm workers, advocating stronger measures for their health, rights, and family safety, with a focus on reproductive health.

Voluntary Cancellation of Registration

On August 29, 2024, the Federal Register published an EPA notice Dimethyl Tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA); Notice of Receipt of Requests to Voluntarily Cancel Pesticide Registrations. The EPA plans to grant the cancellation but is accepting comments until September 30.

Further Information

Federal Register

EPA

Voluntary cancellation