EPA Cancels All Products Containing Dacthal

On October 22, less than three months after issuing an emergency stop use order for the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal), US EPA finalized the cancellation of all products containing it under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

FIFRA authorizes EPA to restrict the use of pesticides to prevent dangerous chemicals from entering the environment and damaging human health. In the case of Dacthal, the Agency cited the negative effects on human health that the chemical can have:

“The science showing the potential for irreversible harm to unborn babies’ developing brains, in addition to other lifelong consequences from exposure, demands decisive action to remove this dangerous chemical from the marketplace.”

Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff

Only one company in the US made Dacthal. The pesticide was used primarily on crops such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and onions.

After the August 7 emergency stop use order, the company notified EPA that it was voluntarily canceling all Dacthal products. Then, the company announced it would cancel all international registrations for the chemical.

What Happens with Dacthal Products Now

The final cancellation prohibits anyone from distributing, selling or carrying out other similar activities for the remaining pesticide products containing DCPA. Existing stock on shelves will not be purchasable, and the chemical’s sole manufacturer implemented a plan to identify existing stocks and coordinated a collection process. The company also developed a voluntary return program for these products.

EPA will monitor this process and ensure the proper disposal of pesticide products containing Dacthal.