EPA Weedkiller Health Alert: Kai Resilience Context

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued an urgent warning about a commonly used herbicide linked to serious health concerns — relevant context for anyone growing food at home or in community gardens.

For safer growing practices see our Community & Te Puke articles and Kai Resilience programme.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued an urgent warning advising people to stop using a commonly used weedkiller due to serious health concerns, particularly its potential effects on unborn children.

The alert comes after the EPA initiated an investigation into the herbicide Dacthal, also known as DCPA, following its removal from store shelves in the United States last week. Dacthal is widely used worldwide for controlling annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in vegetable cultivation.

Dr. Shaun Presow, the EPA’s manager of hazardous substances reassessments, highlighted the urgent nature of the situation. “We have issued this alert due to significant concerns about the potential health risks associated with the herbicide,” he said. “We strongly urge anyone using products containing chlorthal-dimethyl to stop immediately and seek safer alternatives.”

For those unable to avoid using products with chlorthal-dimethyl, the EPA advises taking stringent precautions to minimize exposure, especially for pregnant women or those who could become pregnant. These precautions include restricting access to treated areas and ensuring no one is present during the application process.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified a risk of thyroid hormone disruptions in unborn children of pregnant bystanders, women applying the herbicide, and individuals entering fields treated with chlorthal-dimethyl. Such hormonal changes can lead to low birth weight and irreversible, lifelong health issues, including impaired brain development and motor skills.

In response to these findings, the EPA has established a working group to evaluate the herbicide’s use in the region and to implement swift actions to protect public health. “While this evaluation is ongoing, we have issued a red alert to raise public awareness of the potential dangers,” Dr. Presow added.

The EPA is also consulting with stakeholders who may be affected by any potential new regulations regarding the use of DCPA herbicides to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Kai Resilience & food security

• Kai Resilience — all programme posts
• Kai Resilience network — national food-resilience hub
• Free NZ grower tools — planting calendar & food-forest planner
• Food forests — design, tours and community stories
• Community & Te Puke — local BOP initiatives
• Vector Group Charitable Trust (CC45966)