American Vanguard Corp. says it submitted a voluntary cancellation request to the EPA to stop sales of its Dacthal herbicide.
The herbicide used in agricultural and non-agricultural settings but is primarily used on broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and onions.
The EPA halted its use earlier this month due to the potential for pregnant women exposed to DCPA to have changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels, which could result in low birth-weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills.
American Vanguard said it will work with state and federal authorities on product return and removal.
The company in a news release issued this statement:
“It is important to note that EPA’s findings are based upon the test results of a single, relatively new study that the company had provided to the agency over two years ago which showed an effect on fetal rodents at certain dose levels. As is typically the case with such studies, the observed effect was extrapolated to indicate a potential effect upon human beings. The suspension order, then, was issued by EPA on the premise of preventing potential harm, rather than in response to an actual, reported harm. The company had been working with the EPA in good faith for over one year to identify risk mitigation measures that might alleviate concerns and allow continued use of high-benefit use patterns. However, these measures apparently did not give the EPA sufficient certainty at the time. The company was also discussing with the EPA the potential for completion of additional toxicology and exposure studies that may have alleviated risk concerns, had they been afforded time to proceed. The company nevertheless thanks EPA for expending time and resources to consider and evaluate the many proposed risk mitigation measures.”
