EPA Enforces Historic Ban on Pesticide Amid Alarming Health and Environmental Risks

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken decisive action to suspend the use of the pesticide dacthal, also known as chlorthal dimethyl. This is the first time in 40 years such a widespread suspension has been enforced. This herbicide, commonly used on a wide range of crops, has come under scrutiny due to evidence suggesting it poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. The EWG reports that dacthal has been identified on 60 percent of all kale sold in the USA, as well as many other crops, and the EPA statement said it “was so dangerous it needed to be removed from the market immediately.”

Research has shown that dacthal and its degradation products can leach through the soil and into groundwater sources. The EPA’s analysis revealed that prolonged exposure to dacthal and its metabolites may pose carcinogenic risks, as well as other toxic effects. When pregnant individuals are exposed to dacthal, their fetuses may experience alterations in thyroid hormone levels. These hormonal changes are linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills. The potential for long-term health consequences has prompted the EPA to err on the side of caution, prioritizing public health over the continued use of the pesticide.

The environmental impact of dacthal is another critical factor that influenced the EPA’s decision. Beyond its ability to contaminate groundwater, dacthal has been found to have harmful effects on non-target organisms, particularly aquatic life. The pesticide’s persistence in the environment means that it can accumulate in ecosystems over time, leading to long-term ecological damage. Sensitive habitats, including wetlands and waterways, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of dacthal, making its continued use incompatible with the EPA’s mission to protect the environment.

The suspension of dacthal is part of a broader initiative by the EPA to reassess older pesticides and ensure that they meet current safety standards. As new data becomes available and scientific understanding evolves, the EPA is committed to revisiting the safety profiles of existing pesticides to determine whether they still meet the necessary criteria for safe use. In the case of dacthal, the evidence clearly indicated that the risks outweigh the benefits, leading to the agency’s decision to suspend its use.

This move reflects the EPA's ongoing effort to protect both human health and the environment from potentially hazardous substances. As the agency continues to evaluate the safety of pesticides, the suspension of dacthal serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous regulatory oversight in safeguarding public health and preserving environmental integrity.

Photography: Vai Virga/Adobe