The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an emergency suspension of all registrations for the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or 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 action, following extensive efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to address the risks posed by this pesticide.
The EPA's decision is driven by concerns that exposure to DCPA can lead to changes in fetal thyroid hormone levels in unborn babies, potentially resulting in low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills—some of which may be irreversible. Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff stated, “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."
Congressman Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07) supported the EPA's decision, emphasizing its importance for farmworker health and safety. “Farmworkers face burdensome conditions in the fields and often face exposure to harmful pesticides while working to feed our nation," he said.
Mily Treviño Sauceda, Executive Director of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, also praised the decision. "As an organization led by farmworker women, we know intimately the harm that pesticides can inflict on our bodies and communities," she noted.
DCPA is primarily used on crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. The pesticide is currently undergoing a registration review process required every 15 years to ensure it does not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment.
In 2013, EPA issued a Data Call-In (DCI) requiring AMVAC Chemical Corporation, DCPA's sole manufacturer, to submit over 20 studies supporting its registration. Several submitted studies were deemed insufficient or not submitted at all. Following an administrative hearing in August 2023, EPA suspended DCPA's registration due to AMVAC's failure to provide necessary data.
Despite some voluntary cancellations of DCPA use on turf by AMVAC in December 2023 and proposed changes to agricultural uses of DCPA, EPA determined these measures were inadequate. In May 2023, EPA released an assessment identifying significant health risks associated with DCPA use even when protective measures are employed.
EPA Administrator Regan has determined that immediate suspension is necessary due to serious and imminent harm posed by DCPA. The Emergency Order takes effect immediately as continued sale and use during normal cancellation processes would pose imminent hazards.
Additional information can be found in the DCPA registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0374.
