After issuing an emergency order earlier this summer preventing the use of dacthal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the cancellation of all products containing the pesticide.
Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate or DCPA, was commonly used to control weeds. Farmers frequently used it on crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and onions. In other agricultural settings, it was often applied to control weed growth in ornamental plants, turf grasses and certain fruit crops.
However, concerns about its safety and environmental impact led the EPA to investigate its harmful side effects, ultimately leading to its cancellation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
This final decision means no one can distribute, sell or carry out other similar activities for any remaining pesticide products containing DCPA. That means no person can continue using existing stocks of these products as well.
Let’s dive into this decision further and what it means for your agricultural or manufacturing business if you still have stock of DCPA-containing products in your possession.
Behind The Ban Of Dacthal Products
In deciding to issue a final cancellation of dacthal, the EPA relied on science that showed the pesticide can
demonstrate thyroid toxicity. Research shows pregnant mothers exposed to the pesticide are at a higher risk of experiencing fetal thyroid hormone level changes.
These changes are linked to toxic effects in babies that include:
- Low birth weight
- Impaired brain development
- Decreased IQ
- Impaired motor skills later in live (some that might be irreversible)
Pregnant mothers may or may not know they have been exposed to dacthal, such as if they live near farmland where the pesticide is used. DCPA levels in treated fields can remain at unsafe levels for more than 25 days, according to the agency.
The EPA also estimated that some pregnant women who handle DCPA products could be exposed to amounts four to 20 times greater than what the agency estimates is safe for unborn babies.
What To Do With Dacthal Products
If you’re an agricultural business or a manufacturer that has leftover products that contain dacthal, you can no longer sell or use these pesticides. AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the manufacturer of dacthal, has developed a voluntary return program for existing DCPA products.
The EPA also stated that it plans to release additional information in the coming months about how to handle any remaining products in stock.
If you have extra products on hand that you must now safely dispose of, it’s important to begin planning how you will implement this process safely and according to the law. A hazardous waste disposal company can help you with this disposal process.
Experienced hazardous waste management companies are well versed in handling toxic chemicals and have strict processes they follow to ensure hazardous waste is disposed of according to state and federal regulations.
Here are some of the tasks hazardous waste disposal companies may assist with:
- Determining the classification of the substance you must dispose of
- Evaluating the handling requirements for this chemical waste
- Confirming that your disposal practices meet all local, state and federal regulations
- Providing secure transportation of your waste to treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDF)
- Incorporating environmentally-sound disposal methods, whether that’s incineration, chemical treatment or another option
When speaking with disposal companies, ask for a free quote. The top companies shouldn’t hesitate to provide you with an accurate assessment of disposal costs. With the right disposal partner, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the dacthal chemical and any other hazardous waste you have onsite is handled safely and responsibly.
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