Environmental Protection Agency issues emergency order against use of DCPA pesticides

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order suspending the use of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), a pesticide also known as Dacthal. Effective August 7, DCPA may no longer be sold, distributed, or used in any way. Consumers who still have the product in stock must not use it.

According to an EPA press release, exposure of pregnant women to DCPA can cause changes in thyroid hormone levels in their unborn children. These changes are linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, reduced IQ and impaired motor skills later in life.

This is the first time in 40 years that the EPA has taken such emergency action.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an emergency decree Suspending the use of dimethyltetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), a pesticide also known as Dacthal. Effective August 7, DCPA may no longer be sold, distributed, or used in any way. Consumers who still have the product in stock must not use it.

DCPA exposure in pregnant women can cause changes in thyroid hormone levels in their unborn babies, a press release from the EPAThese changes are associated with low birth weight, impaired brain development, reduced IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life.

This is the first time in 40 years that the EPA has taken such emergency action.

Brett Bultemeier, Assistant Professor of Extension at UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Centreanswers frequently asked questions about DCPA.

Q. What is DCPA/Dacthal?

A. Dacthal is a pesticide used to control weeds on agricultural and non-agricultural sites. The following products contain DCPA and are affected by the EPA order:

• Dacthal Flowable Herbicide (EPA Reg. No. 5481-487), the only product approved for use in Florida.

• Herbicide Dacthal W-75 (EPA Reg. No. WI050002), an older formulation that may be found in some chemical warehouses.

• Technical grade chlorothaldimethyl (EPA Reg. No. 54851-495), an engineering material used primarily to formulate DCPA. May be found in some research laboratories.

Q: What are the restrictions?

A. Products containing DCPA may not be sold, distributed or used. Any remaining products in the warehouse may not be used. As of August 7, any use of DCPA will be considered misuse and will be illegal.

Q. What is the recommended method for disposing of DCPA?

A. Follow label directions to store all products safely and make sure they are clearly marked “Not for Use.”

Operation Cleansweepa Florida Department of Environmental Protection hazardous waste collection program accepts DCPA.

Further guidance from EPA regarding the agency’s collection of existing DCPA inventory is awaited. Watch for updates.

Q. Do I need to keep records of my DCPA ownership?

A. EPA does not classify DCPA products as restricted use products (RUP), so there is no recordkeeping requirement for non-agricultural uses. With respect to agricultural uses, EPA requires two years of recordkeeping to meet worker protection standards. However, at this time, the Pesticide Information Office recommends retaining all existing records related to DCPA use.

Q. What does UF/IFAS do?

A. UF/IFAS will inform all units that use herbicides or advise other users on the subject of the status of DCPA. In addition, UF/IFAS will update all Extension documents and other materials to reflect the change and prevent further use of the product.