EPA Emergency Order to Halt Fetus-Harming Pesticide
Environmental Protection Agency Takes Action to Protect Public Health
Emergency Suspension to Remove Pesticide from Market
WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced an emergency order to suspend all uses of a pesticide that has been linked to developmental harm in fetuses. The pesticide, dichloropropene (DCPA), is commonly used to control weeds in crops such as soybeans, carrots, and potatoes.
The EPA's action comes after a review of scientific data that found that DCPA exposure can cause developmental abnormalities in laboratory animals. These abnormalities include cleft palate, neural tube defects, and other serious health problems.
The EPA's emergency order requires all registrants to immediately stop selling or distributing DCPA products, and all users to stop using DCPA products. The EPA will also work with states to ensure that DCPA products are removed from the market as quickly as possible.
"Protecting the health of our children is one of our top priorities," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "This emergency order will ensure that DCPA products are no longer available for use, and that the public is protected from the potential risks of exposure to this pesticide."
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