EPA Prohibits Herbicide DCPA Over Concerns of Permanent Damage to Unborn Babies
For the first time in nearly 40 years, the EPA has issued an emergency action,
DCPA is commonly used in the United States for weed control in agricultural and nonagricultural processes, particularly on crops such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, onions, and cabbage.
Exposure to DCPA could lead to issues such as low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills in children later in life, with some effects being irreversible according to the agency.
Pregnant women handling DCPA products could be exposed to significantly higher levels than deemed safe, and the chemical can persist at unsafe levels in treated fields for over 25 days, posing risks to pregnant women working in these areas.
Stakeholder Reactions
In response to the ban, the Arizona Pest Management Center warned of increased costs for farmers in weed control, potentially impacting yields and labor availability.
The EPA’s decision to ban DCPA comes after concerns raised by various organizations about the chemical’s potential harm to farmworkers, pregnant individuals, and the environment.
Various groups representing farmworkers, scientists, and public health officials have demanded the ban of DCPA, highlighting the dangers posed by the pesticide to vulnerable populations.
