EPA Halts Sale of Pesticide Linked to Fetal Harm

ST. LOUIS (AP) — In a significant move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invoked its emergency authority for the first time in nearly four decades to ban the sale of DCPA, a weed-killing pesticide known to pose serious risks to fetal development. The decision comes after the agency determined that DCPA, or Dacthal, could lead to irreversible health issues in unborn babies, including impaired brain development and low birthweight. The EPA's announcement on Tuesday highlighted the urgency of the situation, as the agency struggled to obtain critical health data from the pesticide's manufacturer. DCPA is primarily used on crops such as broccoli and cabbage. A recent assessment by the EPA revealed that the pesticide remains hazardous even when personal protective equipment is utilized by workers. Although the manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corp., recommended a 12-hour waiting period before re-entering treated fields, EPA officials noted that the chemical could persist at dangerous levels for over 25 days. In earlier communications with the EPA, AMVAC proposed new safety protocols, including extended waiting periods and restrictions on handling the pesticide. However, federal officials deemed these measures insufficient to mitigate the risks. The emergency order was deemed necessary to protect public health, as the standard review process would have taken too long, potentially exposing individuals to harm. The EPA's decisive action underscores its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and their unborn children, from hazardous chemicals.