DCPA/Dacthal Pesticide Exposure During Pregnancy Linked to Birth Injuries
The use of pesticides or weed killers in the United States has long been a contentious issue, with increasing concerns over their potential health and environmental impacts. One such pesticide, Dacthal or DCPA, has come under intense scrutiny recently, due to emerging evidence that exposure to Dacthal during pregnancy may cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to unborn children. The EPA’s move to suspend the registration of DCPA in August 2024 has only strengthened claims by affected individuals and families that Dacthal exposure in utero caused children to experience low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, impaired motor skills, and other adverse health outcomes later in life.
What is Dacthal?
Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate or DCPA, is a pre-emergent herbicide that has been widely used in the United States for decades to control weeds in a variety of agricultural and non-agricultural settings. It is commonly applied to crops such as broccoli, cabbage, onions, and strawberries, as well as on lawns, golf courses, and ornamental plants. The chemical’s long half-life in the soil has made it an attractive option for weed control, but this same property has also raised concerns about its persistence and potential accumulation in the environment.
Why is There a Dacthal Lawsuit?
The Dacthal lawsuit has its roots in the EPA's long-standing efforts to address the potential health risks associated with the pesticide.
As early as 1999, the agency began requesting detailed safety studies from AMVAC, the manufacturer of Dacthal, regarding its effects on fetal development and other health outcomes. However, AMVAC repeatedly failed to provide the necessary data, leading the EPA to take increasingly urgent action.
In 2024, the EPA finally issued an emergency suspension of all Dacthal registrations, citing the severe health risks posed to unborn babies whose pregnant mothers were exposed to the chemical. The agency’s findings were particularly alarming, indicating that exposure to DCPA could lead to changes in fetal thyroid hormone levels, resulting in a range of devastating consequences for unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.
Alleged Side Effects Associated with Dacthal
The potential health effects associated with Dacthal exposure are both serious and far-reaching. Upon announcing the voluntary cancellation of the pesticide in August 2024, the EPA indicated that exposure to DCPA during pregnancy can lead to the following outcomes:
- Low Birth Weight: Babies born to mothers exposed to Dacthal may have a lower birth weight, which can increase the risk of other health issues and developmental delays.
- Impaired Brain Development: Exposure to DCPA has been linked to impaired brain development, which can result in decreased IQ and learning difficulties later in life.
- Impaired Motor Skills: Children exposed to Dacthal in utero may experience problems with motor skills, affecting their ability to perform everyday tasks and coordinate their movements.
Research Linking Dacthal to Adverse Outcomes in Exposed Babies
"The EPA’s move to suspend the registration of DCPA in August 2024 has only strengthened claims by affected individuals and families that Dacthal exposure in utero caused children to experience low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, impaired motor skills, and other adverse health outcomes later in life."
Research Linking Dacthal to Adverse Outcomes in Exposed Babies
The most alarming aspect of the Dacthal lawsuit centers around the toxic chemical’s impact on fetal development. According to the EPA, exposure to DCPA during pregnancy could cause changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels in unborn babies, and such changes are typically linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life. The EPA notes that, in initiating an emergency suspension of Dacthal in August 2024, it relied on the best available science, which included “robust studies that all demonstrate thyroid toxicity.”
These potential effects are particularly concerning given the EPA’s findings that some pregnant individuals handling DCPA products could be exposed to levels four to 20 times higher than what the agency has deemed safe for unborn babies. “Today’s announcement is a critical step towards protecting unborn babies from the serious health risks of this dangerous pesticide,” said Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, in a press release issued by the EPA. “AMVAC’s decision to voluntarily and quickly cancel their DCPA registrations is a huge win for public health and will ensure pregnant women are no longer exposed to a chemical that could cause their babies to experience irreversible lifelong health problems.”
Find Out How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been affected by exposure to Dacthal, it is crucial to seek reputable legal assistance as soon as possible. An attorney with experience handling product liability claims will work tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Don’t wait – contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
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