EPA Bans Herbicide Dacthal (DCPA) Over Fetal Health Risks

The EPA has banned Dacthal (DCPA), an herbicide commonly used on vegetables, following an assessment last year that showed severe risks for unborn babies. This is the first time the EPA has initiated an emergency order of this kind in 40 years. Michael Freehoff from the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention said, “DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately. It’s EPA’s job to protect people from exposure to dangerous chemicals. In this case, pregnant women who may never even know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems.”

The AMVAC Chemical Corporation and parent company American Vanguard Corporation pulled Dacthal from the market in response to the EPA’s emergency order. The company issued a statement saying they disagreed with the EPA’s assessment but thanked the agency for working through potential risk mitigation measures before making the emergency order.

The company’s press release stated, “It is important to note that EPA’s findings are based upon the test results of a single, relatively new study that the company had provided to the agency over two years ago, which showed an effect on fetal rodents at certain dose levels. As is typically the case with such studies, the observed effect was extrapolated to indicate a potential effect upon human beings. The suspension order, then, was issued by EPA on the premise of preventing potential harm, rather than in response to an actual, reported harm.”

A 2014 fact sheet from the EPA states, “What adverse health effects have been observed in humans and animals exposed to high levels of Dacthal, and its degradates?” The EPA’s answer is, “There are no health data on excessive exposure of humans to Dacthal or its degradates. In rodents, effects on the liver, kidney, and thyroid were observed following excessive exposure, along with some effects on the lungs. The toxicity data for TPA ([Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid) are limited but indicate that it is less toxic than Dacthal.  No standard toxicity studies have been identified for MTP (Monomethyl Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid).”

This news comes as a new report from the National Toxicology Program) (NTP) found a correlation between fluoride consumption and low IQ scores. Also this month, the EPA took the next step that may eventually lead to a ban on vinyl chloride, the toxic chemical that ravaged East Palestine, OH 18 months ago. The EPA was aware of the harmful toxic effects of fluoride, just as it was for vinyl chloride. The EPA also classified DCPA as a “likely carcinogen” in 1995 following a manufacturer-led study that found thyroid tumors in animals.

The statement from the AMVAC Chemical Corporation insists that the EPA is basing its decision on a single study but hasn’t proven it has any toxic effects on humans. In 2013, AMVAC was required to complete a new study to determine the impact on the fetal thyroid. In 2022, the study was completed and found low rates of exposure cause harm to the fetus inside the mother’s womb. Now, Dacthal is officially banned from sale in the United States. The European Union banned the herbicide in 2009.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. referred to pesticides as being one of the chemicals that are poisoning the children of America. He also mentioned a conversation with Calley Means, a former food and pharma executive advocating for a fundamental change to the food system in the United States. Means was recently on The Tucker Carlson Show with his sister, Casey Means, where they discussed metabolic disorder and chemical exposure.

Casey Means said six billion pounds of pesticides are used globally each year. She said, “They’re invisible, they’re tasteless, and they’re directly toxic to our cellular biology. They are so toxic that 20% of all suicides globally are performed by drinking pesticides. And yet we’re told by our government they’re totally safe.”

The HighWire has reported about the aftermath of Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto and the flagship product Roundup, which contains the primary chemical component of glyphosate. Despite the stock pile of pending lawsuits for harms caused by the product, Roundup remains available for use in the United States. Meanwhile, Bayer is actively attempting to get a federal liability shield for any harm caused by the product. That would give pesticide manufacturers similar protections to those of vaccine manufacturers. They previously attempted to get liability protections at the state level.

While the EPA has not established any limit for DCPA in water, it is present in groundwater throughout the country. A 2017 report in California determined that an appropriate guide should be 70 ug/l or ppb. The California community had 101 ppb in some wells that were tested, which was deemed to be a “health concern.”

The federal government has not set any limits for DCPA in water, but herbicide runoff from agricultural fields frequently contaminates groundwater. An Oregon report from 1989 suggests that levels up to 4,000 ug/l or ppb are unlikely to cause adverse health effects in humans. That’s significantly higher than what California determined based on their report in 2017. The Oregon report stated groundwater samples tested between 0.46 and 254.6 ugl/l or ppb.

The herbicide is most commonly used on kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, onions, and field turf. In a 2017 test by the Department of Agriculture, 60% of kale contained residues from the herbicide Dacthal.

AMVAC Chemical Corporation pleaded guilty to a felony charge of knowingly transporting unmanifested hazardous waste in May. The company imported used containers of its insecticide Thimet for disposal without properly labeling it as hazardous waste.