The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency suspension of the common weedkiller known as DCPA, or Dacthal, citing “serious risks” to unborn babies.
It is the first time in nearly 40 years the EPA has taken this type of emergency action, according to a news release.
Dacthal is a pesticide used to control weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, but it is mainly used on broccoli crops, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and onions.
The EPA said they took this action because when pregnant mothers are exposed to the chemical, it could change the fetal thyroid hormone levels which can have lasting consequences including low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills later in life.
The emergency order is effective immediately.
“It’s EPA’s job to protect people from exposure to dangerous chemicals. In this case, pregnant women who may never even know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems,”Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention said.
In 2013, the EPA requested data on the weedkiller and its manufacturer, requiring a comprehensive study on the effects of DCPA on thyroid development and function.
The most recent review of DCPA is part of a reevaluation required every 15 years to make sure the pesticide has no unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment.
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