EPA Issues Emergency Order on Tuesday to Halt Use of Dangerous Pesticide Dacthal

Aug 6, 2024, 07:04 PM

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order on Tuesday to halt the use of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), also known as Dacthal, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This marks the first time in nearly 40 years that the EPA has taken such emergency action. The pesticide has been linked to serious health risks for unborn babies, prompting the agency to remove it from the market immediately. The action prioritizes the health and safety of farmworkers, especially pregnant workers. Dacthal has been banned in the European Union since 2009.