The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency suspension of Dacthal

In August 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency suspension of Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate or DCPA), citing severe health risks to unborn babies and pregnant women. The pesticide, used since 1958 primarily on crops like broccoli and cabbage, was found to disrupt fetal thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to long-term developmental issues such as impaired brain function and motor skills. This decision marks the first emergency ban of its kind in nearly 40 years, triggered by AMVAC Chemical Corporation's failure to submit crucial safety data requested by the EPA since 2016. AMVAC voluntarily agreed to cancel all Dacthal products, and the EPA is working on a return program to remove the pesticide from the market permanently. This action is seen as a major step in protecting public health, particularly farmworkers and pregnant women, from the harmful effects of this chemical.