EPA bans the use of Dacthal herbicide for all purposes in the environment

The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the immediate recall of the herbicide Dacthal due to its potential danger to unborn children. The EPA stated that pregnant women exposed to Dacthal could give birth to babies with irreversible health problems, such as low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills. Dacthal is commonly used in agricultural settings to control annual grasses and weeds before they emerge, as well as in non-agricultural settings like golf courses and athletic fields. The herbicide can remain hazardous for up to 40 days after application. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued guidelines for returning any Dacthal products, urging individuals in possession of the herbicide to contact the retailer it was purchased from for disposal. The EPA order prohibits the use or transport of Dacthal products for any reason other than returning them to an authorized retailer for disposal.Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff emphasized the need to protect people from dangerous chemicals, particularly pregnant women and unborn children. The emergency suspension of Dacthal marks the first time in almost 40 years that the EPA has taken such action. The recall comes amid growing concerns over the potential health risks posed by exposure to hazardous chemicals like Dacthal.

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