The Environmental Protection Authority is urging people to avoid using the herbicide chlorthal-dimethyl because of significant concerns about its effects on unborn children.
Chlorthal-dimethyl, also referred to as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate or DCPA, is mainly used on onion crops, forest nurseries and ornamental plants In New Zealand.
A red alert has been issued to inform people of the health risks from DCPA and recommend people stop using products that contain this chemical.
“We are issuing this alert because we have serious concerns about the potential risks to people’s health from this substance,” Dr Shaun Presow, hazardous substances reassessments manager, said.
“We urge anyone currently using a product containing chlorthal-dimethyl to stop and to consider alternatives.”
If people can’t avoid using these products, the EPA advises they take all precautions to avoid exposure for people who are pregnant or could be pregnant. This includes restricting access to sprayed areas and making sure nobody else is around during spraying.
The EPA’s red alert comes after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) issued an emergency order on August 7 to stop all use or sale of products containing DCPA – the first time in 40 years it has taken this action.
That action was first reported here by Farmers Weekly.
The US EPA found a risk of thyroid hormone changes in the unborn children of pregnant bystanders, and women who apply chlorthal-dimethyl, or those who enter treated fields after the substance has been applied.
These changes can cause low birth weight and irreversible and lifelong impacts, such as impaired brain development and motor skills.
“We take very seriously any significant new information about the potential effects of chemicals used in New Zealand,” Presow said.
“We’ve set up a working group to look at how this herbicide is being used here, and to take rapid action to ensure we continue protecting people’s health and safety.
“While this is happening, we have put out a red alert to ensure the public is aware of the potential risks.
“We’re currently consulting directly with those likely to be affected by any proposed additional rules for using products containing chlorthal-dimethyl and to help us better understand how widely it’s used in New Zealand.”
The EPA will issue updates as this work progresses.
The three products containing chlorthal-dimethyl that are registered for use in New Zealand are:
• Dacthal
• Deramot Xtra
• Chlor-Back 75WG
