New Zealand's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a rare "red alert" over three products containing a specific herbicide.
The EPA has "significant concerns about its effects on unborn children".
"Chlorthal-dimethyl, also referred to as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA, dacthal, or chlorthal-methyl, is used to control grasses and other weeds," the authority explained.
Three weedkiller products containing the herbicide are available in New Zealand: Dacthal, Deramot Xtra and Chlor-Back 75WG.
The herbicide was particularly used with onion crops, forest nurseries and ornamental plants, the authority said.
The red alert meant people using products containing the chemical were urged to stop.
"We are issuing this alert because we have serious concerns about the potential risks to people's health from this substance.
"If people can't avoid using these products, the EPA advises they take all precautions to avoid exposure for people who are pregnant or could be pregnant.
"This includes restricting access to sprayed areas and making sure nobody else is around during spraying."
The announcement follows an emergency order from the US EPA on August 7. Its order, urging people to stop all use or sale of products containing chlorthal-dimethyl, was "the first time in 40 years it has taken this action".
"The US EPA found a risk of thyroid hormone changes in the unborn children of pregnant bystanders, and women who apply chlorthal-dimethyl, or those who enter treated fields after the substance has been applied.
"These changes can cause low birth weight and irreversible and life-long impacts, such as impaired brain development and motor skills."
The EPA set up a working group to look at how the herbicide is being used here – and how to protect people from its potential effects.
"While this is happening, we have put out a red alert to ensure the public is aware of the potential risks.
"We're currently consulting directly with those likely to be affected by any proposed additional rules for using products containing chlorthal-dimethyl and to help us better understand how widely it's used in New Zealand."
SHARE ME