The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken a significant step by issuing an emergency order to halt the use of the herbicide DCPA, known to cause irreversible developmental damage to human fetuses.
Marketed under the trade name Dacthal, DCPA was commonly used to control the growth of certain weeds in crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. However, mounting evidence of its harmful effects on human health led to the EPA’s decision to ban the pesticide immediately.
Farmworker unions and advocacy organizations have applauded this move, as pregnant farmworkers, who are often exposed to high levels of DCPA, will now be protected from its dangers. The EPA’s action marks the first time in almost four decades that such emergency authority has been used for a pesticide.
The decision comes after a thorough review process that revealed serious health risks associated with DCPA, prompting the EPA to prioritize public safety over procedural requirements. This suspension of DCPA demonstrates the EPA’s commitment to safeguarding farmworkers and their families from harmful pesticide exposure.
Advocates are now calling on the EPA to suspend other toxic pesticides to protect public health further. This decisive action sets a precedent for stronger regulation of harmful chemicals in agricultural practices, benefiting both farmworkers and consumers alike.
