New Zealand’s EPA is considering banning Dacthal herbicides, which are already prohibited in the U.S. and Australia due to concerns about harm to unborn children.
In short:
- The US banned Dacthal in August over concerns about fetal development, with Australia following suit.
- New Zealand’s EPA introduced stricter rules but has not banned Dacthal, though it is reassessing its approval.
- Greenpeace is pressuring the EPA to act faster, citing the dangers to farm workers and the ease of implementing a ban.
Key quote:
"It is outrageous that the New Zealand EPA is allowing these chemicals to be used."
— Russel Norman, Greenpeace executive director.
Why this matters:
The herbicide Dacthal, linked to developmental risks, continues to be used in New Zealand while other countries have banned it. Delays in action could pose health risks to vulnerable populations like pregnant farm workers.
Related: What’s the world’s most widely used herbicide doing to tiny critters?
