On August 6th, the EPA suspended the use of the pesticide DCPA or Dacthal, effective immediately. The weed killer is linked to low birth rates, brain development issues, and impaired motor skills later in life among babies who were exposed to the chemical in utero. DCPA is primarily used on crops like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions with some use on golf courses and other recreational fields. Unborn babies are at the highest risk of dangerous health effects. The ban is authorized under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies serious risk to human health from a chemical or pesticide, the agency can use the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to immediately stop its use. The last time that the agency used this Act was 40 years ago.

The EPA estimates that unborn babies of pregnant individuals handling DCPA (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate) could be exposed at a level 4 to 20 times greater than what is thought to be safe for babies. Farmworkers are the most at risk of contact with DCPA, and the residue can stay on fields or turf for 25 days.

The maker of DCPA has failed to submit safety studies on its product for over 10 years. In 2013, the EPA requested over 20 studies from AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the manufacturer of DCPA. These studies were due by 2016. All studies submitted between 2013-2021 were deemed inefficient, and a study on the pesticide’s effect on thyroid function was not submitted at all.

The EPA's recent review of DCPA is part of a routine 15-year re-evaluation process for all registered pesticides, ensuring continued safety for both humans and the environment. All use and production of DCPA has been suspended while formal cancelation of DCPA takes place.

Research studies on the long-term health effects on babies exposed to DCPA before birth are ongoing.