APVMA issues immediate ban on controversial weed killer
The APVMA has outlawed the use of a herbicide with links to health problems to unborn babies, effective immediately. See the list of all 12 cancelled products.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has banned the use of a herbicide with links to health problems to unborn babies, effective immediately.
The APVMA announced on Thursday it had cancelled the registration and use of all products containing chlorthal dimethyl, also known as Dacthal or DCPA, making the use of chlorthal dimethyl as an agricultural chemical product illegal.
chlorthal dimethyl is a herbicide used in vegetable crops, turf and cotton.
The APVMA said the ban was an immediate cancellation of the 12 products in Australia containing chlorthal dimethyl, with no phase out period applied.
Farmers and retailers may continue to hold products until further notice but must not use it.
The APVMA’s assessment found there was an immediate risk to human health due to direct exposure during mixing, loading and applying the chemical and from residue remaining on treated crops and turf for up to five days following application.
It said the primary risk from chlorthal dimethyl was to unborn babies via maternal exposure.
Effects may include low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life.
Pregnant workers who may have concerns about exposure are advised to consult with their physician.
The decision to ban chlorthal dimethyl follows the recent United States Environmental Protection Agency emergency order to stop use of chlorthal dimethyl.
“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,” said chief executive Scott Hansen.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly and are exercising a high degree of caution in cancelling these products and ask those who hold them to cease use immediately.
“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 five days.”
The APVMA said information on the product recall process will be issued soon.
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