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File photo. The herbicide is used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in vegetable cultivation around the world.
photo: 123 RF
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an urgent warning for people to stop using the herbicide because of concerns about its effects on unborn children.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week began investigating Dacthal, or DCPA, herbicides after they Removed from the US.
The organization is now urging people to avoid using the herbicide, which is used worldwide to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in vegetable cultivation.
Hazardous substances reassessment manager Dr Shaun Presow said the alert was issued because it raised serious concerns about the potential risk to people’s health.
“We urge people currently using products containing dimethylchlorothiazide to stop using them and consider alternatives.
“If people cannot avoid using these products, EPA recommends that they take every precaution to avoid exposure to these products for people who are pregnant or may become pregnant.”
That includes limiting access to spraying areas and making sure no one else is around during spraying, Presso said.
The EPA found that unborn children of pregnant bystanders, women using dimethylchlorothiazide, or people who entered treated fields after the substance was applied were at risk for thyroid hormone changes.
These changes can lead to low birth weight and irreversible lifelong effects, such as impaired brain development and motor skills.
Presso said the EPA has established a task force to investigate the herbicide’s use here and act quickly to ensure it continues to protect people’s health and safety.
“When this happens, we issue a red alert to ensure the public is aware of the potential risk.”
Presso said the EPA is consulting with those who might be affected by the proposed additional rules regarding the use of DCPA herbicides.
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