In an unprecedented move not seen for nearly four decades, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order on Tuesday to suspend all uses of the weedkiller dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), also known as Dacthal. This herbicide, commonly used on crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions, has been linked to severe health risks for unborn babies.

The EPA warned that fetuses exposed to DCPA could suffer from low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life. “DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately,” said Michal Freedhoff, the EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety. “In this case, pregnant women who may never even know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems.”

This decisive action underscores the EPA's commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations from harmful chemicals.