• The EPA issued an emergency order to remove Dacthal (DCPA) from the market due to its harmful effects on unborn babies, following research linking it to birth defects and developmental challenges.
• In 2023, the EPA’s assessment revealed Dacthal exposure during pregnancy could lead to low birth weight, reduced IQ, and impaired motor skills in infants, prompting urgent preventive measures.
• The decision underscores the importance of health and safety over agricultural convenience, as AMVAC Chemical Corporation failed to provide essential safety data on Dacthal’s adverse effects.

Dacthal has been a post-emergent herbicide for nearly two decades, controlling pests and weeds in crops like brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and onions. While the development of this herbicide has highlighted advancements in agriculture chemistry, it has recently been discovered that Dacthal, chemically known as DCPA (Dacthal dimethyl), has harmful effects on unborn babies. As a result of this discovery, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order that will pull it off the market. This decision comes after careful consideration of scientific evidence and public health concerns.

In 2023, the EPA’s assessment of pesticides revealed a disturbing link. Research indicated that exposure to Dacthal during pregnancy could lead to an increased risk of certain birth defects and developmental challenges in infants. The long-term effects of Dacthal exposure are particularly concerning, with babies born to mothers who had been exposed to Dacthal showing a higher likelihood of low birth weight, reduced IQ, and impaired motor skills. These findings underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for preventive measures to protect unborn children from the potential risks of Dacthal.

The EPA has decided to remove Dacthal from the market due to the failure of the AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the sole provider of DCPA, to provide essential data regarding the herbicide’s adverse health effects. Michal Freedhoff, the assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, has stated that “DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately.” The EPA’s decision justified the lack of adequate information provided as a necessary cause of its removal, emphasizing the importance of thorough data on the safety of agricultural chemicals.

The decision to remove Dacthal from the markets demonstrates significant progress in prioritizing the health and safety of individuals over agricultural convenience. While herbicides have been reliable for farmers, their potential risks to unborn children have necessitated a reevaluation of their place in agriculture.