Photo: Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park: Salt cedar & Giant cane. Copyright Delena Norris-Tull, 2017.
Dacthal, DCPA
Summaries of the research and commentary by Dr. Delena Norris-Tull, Professor Emerita of Science Education, University of Montana Western, October 2020, updated November 2024..
Dacthal Herbicide (Dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) has been in use since 1958, to reduce invasive plants in many vegetable crops and non-residential turf.
Production of DCPA was discontinued by ISK Biosciences in 1998, but then was produced by AMVAC (American Vanguard Corporation) for use in the United States.
In September 2023, the EPA took the unusual step of suspending the sale, distribution, and use of this product, due to the possibility that this herbicide can damage thyroids in human fetuses and adults. As do all others, this pesticide contaminates waterways. In October 2024, based on the review of studies on thyroid toxicity in babies, the EPA announced the cancellation of all products containing Dacthal.
The following sections provide information on some additional modern herbicides:
Links to additional information on herbicides and other pesticides:
Dacthal, DCPA
Summaries of the research and commentary by Dr. Delena Norris-Tull, Professor Emerita of Science Education, University of Montana Western, October 2020, updated November 2024..
Dacthal Herbicide (Dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) has been in use since 1958, to reduce invasive plants in many vegetable crops and non-residential turf.
Production of DCPA was discontinued by ISK Biosciences in 1998, but then was produced by AMVAC (American Vanguard Corporation) for use in the United States.
In September 2023, the EPA took the unusual step of suspending the sale, distribution, and use of this product, due to the possibility that this herbicide can damage thyroids in human fetuses and adults. As do all others, this pesticide contaminates waterways. In October 2024, based on the review of studies on thyroid toxicity in babies, the EPA announced the cancellation of all products containing Dacthal.
The following sections provide information on some additional modern herbicides:
- Atrazine Herbicide
- Dicamba Herbicide
- Glyphosate Herbicide
- Paraquat Dichloride
- Picolinic acid family of herbicides
Links to additional information on herbicides and other pesticides: