The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has taken emergency action to ban the use of dimethyl tetrachloroterephtlate (“DCPA”), a weed killer primarily used on broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions.

Earlier this month, the EPA acted to remove the pesticide from the market because of the known dangers to fetuses of pregnant farm workers. The fetuses can experience changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels that are linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills.

DCPA has been used in the U.S. since the 1950s. DCPA can linger in soils contaminating crops grown in the fields including broccoli, cilantro, green onions, kale, and mustard greens.