The EPA has suspended the registration of the herbicide Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), due to evidence that the toxic chemical can have devastating consequences for unborn babies exposed during pregnancy. These potential health risks include low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills, among other birth defects. Individuals and families impacted by DCPA exposure are now exploring their legal options to hold the manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, accountable and seek the justice and compensation they deserve.
The EPA’s emergency suspension of Dacthal registrations came after years of efforts by the agency to compel AMVAC, the sole manufacturer of the herbicide, to submit critical data on the chemical’s potential health risks. Despite the EPA’s repeated requests dating back to 1999, AMVAC failed to provide the necessary information, particularly regarding the impact of DCPA on fetal thyroid hormone levels. The manufacturer’s conduct has laid the groundwork for a wave of product liability lawsuits against AMVAC, as affected individuals and their families seek to recover damages for the alleged harm caused by this pesticide.
Attorneys across the country are actively investigating claims related to DCPA exposure, focusing on the severe and potentially irreversible health consequences for unborn babies. These include low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills – all of which can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life. Individuals or their loved ones who have allegedly experienced these or other adverse outcomes after being exposed to Dacthal are urged to contact a qualified legal professional to explore their options for seeking compensation.
Given the severity of the health risks associated with DCPA exposure, individuals and families who have been adversely affected have strong grounds to pursue legal action against the manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corporation. Some of the key reasons to file a Dacthal lawsuit include:
“With the use of its emergency authority—not used in nearly 40 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on August 7 banned a pesticide (the weed killer Dacthal or DCPA—dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate) under the “imminent hazard” clause of the federal pesticide law. At the same time, the agency is exercising its authority to prohibit the continued use of Dacthal’s existing stocks, a provision that EPA rarely uses. “
Dacthal (DCPA) is a pre-emergent herbicide that has been widely used in the United States for decades to control weeds in a variety of crop settings. First registered for use in the U.S. in 1958, Dacthal has been a popular choice among farmers and landscapers due to its effectiveness in inhibiting the germination and growth of weed seeds. The herbicide is applied to the soil prior to the emergence of weeds, forming a protective barrier that prevents the weeds from establishing themselves and accessing necessary water and nutrients.
Despite its widespread use, Dacthal has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years due to concerns over its potential health and environmental impacts. The chemical’s long half-life in the soil has raised concerns about its persistence and the risk of accumulation in the environment. Moreover, research has now linked DCPA exposure to a range of serious health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and their unborn children.
By filing a Dacthal lawsuit, individuals and families who have been impacted by this toxic herbicide can seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Some of the potential benefits of pursuing legal action include:
In an August 2024 press release announcing Dacthal’s cancellation, the EPA indicates that unborn babies whose pregnant mothers are exposed to the pesticide, in some cases unknowingly, could experience changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels, which in turn can result in a range of developmental issues and long-term health problems.
According to the EPA, these changes in fetal thyroid hormone levels have been linked to a variety of adverse outcomes in exposed babies, including low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills. In some cases, these effects may be irreversible, potentially leading to lifelong challenges for affected children and their families.
The EPA’s findings are particularly concerning given the widespread use of Dacthal and the potential for exposure among pregnant women. The agency estimates that pregnant women who are exposed to DCPA may have exposure levels that are four to 20 times higher than what is considered safe for unborn babies.
This heightened risk is likely due to the herbicide’s persistence in the environment, as well as the potential for exposure through various pathways, such as direct contact with treated fields, spray drift, or contaminated food and water sources.
