EPA Finally Halts Use of Hazardous Pesticide, DCPA, After Decades of Warning Signs

In a groundbreaking move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order to immediately suspend the use of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), a pesticide associated with significant health risks, particularly to fetuses. This decisive action marks the first emergency pesticide suspension by the EPA in over 40 years, highlighting the severity of the concerns surrounding DCPA.

Source: University of Arizona Health Sciences/YouTube

DCPA, commonly marketed under the brand name Dacthal, has been used since the late 1950s on a variety of crops, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Recent findings have raised alarms about its safety, particularly concerning its lingering presence in soil and potential to contaminate subsequent crops. Research indicates that exposure to DCPA can alter fetal thyroid hormone levels, which are crucial for healthy development. Affected infants could suffer from low birth weight, reduced IQ, and impaired motor skills.

The urgency of the EPA’s response was propelled by evidence from studies on animals, which suggested serious risks to human health. Notably, a study involving pregnant rats revealed that DCPA exposure led to changes in thyroid hormone levels in fetuses, a worrying sign of its potential impact on human infants.

The European Union banned DCPA in 2009, but the EPA had faced criticism for its slower response. Recent pressure and new data forced the agency’s hand, culminating in this emergency suspension. According to Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, the action was necessary to protect vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women who might be unaware of their exposure.

The EPA’s decision has been met with Support from various health and environmental advocates, though some argue that the move is overdue. Advocates like Jeannie Economos, from the Farmworker Association of Florida, stress the damage already done and call for more comprehensive bans on harmful pesticides.

The immediate suspension is a temporary measure, with plans to permanently end all registrations of DCPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act within 90 days. This swift action aims to mitigate the risks associated with DCPA exposure and reflects a growing shift towards stricter pesticide regulations to safeguard public health and environmental well-being.

Latest Petitions to Sign:

• Petition: Help Protect Arctic Wildlands and Wildlife from Big Oil
• Petition: Help Eliminate Microplastics from Our Water Supply
• Petition: Justice for Puppy Who Was Thrown Off Ledge in New York City
• Petition: Tell the Scottish Government to Stop Tourists from Feeding Wildlife
• Petition: Help Protect Animals Sold at Bangkok’s Markets
• Petition: Help Protect Ancient Dolphin Population Off the Coast of Italy
• Petition: Demand Justice for Dogs Who Were Abandoned Inside a Hot Trailer
• Petition: Help Ban Assault Weapons and Large-Capacity Magazines
• Petition: Help Address the Shelter Crisis in Massachusetts
• Petition: Tell Mexico to Save the Vaquita Porpoise from Extinction

Related Content:

• 10 Harmful Pesticides Found in Baby Food
• EPA Faces Criticism Over PFAS Contamination Data in Pesticide Tests
• Vets Urged to Stop Pesticide-Based Flea Treatments for Pets
• Study Reveals Alarming Presence of Pesticides in Conventional Baby Foods
• EPA Might Approve Pesticide That May Harm Children’s Health

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!