Ellen Phiddian
Cosmos science journalist
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has announced the immediate cancellation of the controversial herbicide chlorthal dimethyl, also known as Dacthal or DCPA.
The cancellation follows evidence that chlorthal dimethyl can cause damage to the development of unborn babies.
The herbicide is currently used in 12 products in Australia, all of which are now illegal to use. Farmers and retailers who have the product, according to the AVPMA, can still hold it until further notice.
“The APVMA has the power to act swiftly where we identify an imminent risk to human health and we are exercising that authority today with the cancellation of all products containing chlorthal dimethyl,” says CEO of the AVPMA, Scott Hansen, in a statement.
“The APVMA considers the risk of continued use to be unacceptable as the risk of exposure cannot be effectively mitigated.
“The primary risk is to pregnant people’s unborn babies, particularly where those people have handled the chemical or re-entered areas where the product has been used within the last 5 days.”
The substance was suspended by the USA Environment Protection Agency in early August, following the “submission of long-overdue data” to the US federal government.
According to the US EPA, the babies of pregnant people exposed to chlorthal dimethyl could have changes in their thyroid hormone levels.
These changes are linked to low birth weights, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills.
The AVPMA says that information on the recall process will be coming shortly.
