![A dirt field for artichoke crop in the Castroville area of Monterey County on Dec. 15, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i0.wp.com/calmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/121523_Monterey-Hospitals_MO_CM_06.jpg?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
Environment
Dangerous herbicide used on California crops banned
The chemical, used for decades, can harm babies’ developing brains. Farmworkers and people living near fields are most at risk. The EPA issued a rare emergency order.