Dacthal (DCPA), a weed-killing pesticide used on food crops and turf, was banned due to the risk of birth defects after women are exposed during pregnancy.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dacthal (DCPA) induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your baby was diagnosed with birth defects from DCPA exposure during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dacthal Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
EPA Emergency Order Suspends Use of Dacthal / DCPA
In August 2024, the EPA issued an emergency order suspending the use of all pesticide/herbicide products containing Dimethyl Tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), also known as Dacthal®.
What is the Problem?
“DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately, said Michal Freedhoff, the EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety. “In this case, pregnant women who may never even know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems.”
Dacthal Manufacturer Failed to Submit Safety Data
The only manufacturer of Dacthal (DCPA) is a California-based company called AMVAC Chemical Corporation.
The company failed to submit mandatory safety data for almost 10 years, until May 2023. When the data was reviewed, safety officials found “evidence of health risks associated with DCPA use and application,” even when protective measures were taken.
The most serious risks extend to the developing babies of pregnant women who are exposed to DCPA. “Some pregnant individuals handling DCPA products could be subjected to exposures from 4 to 20 times greater than what current DCPA product label use instructions indicate is considered safe,” according to the EPA warning.
Elevated Risk Remains for 25 Days After DCPA Is Applied
There is also a risk to developing babies of pregnant women who are working in fields, or living nearby areas where DCPA has been applied for nearly a month. “Levels of DCPA in the previously treated fields remained at unsafe levels for 25 days or more,” the EPA warned.
What is the Risk?
Pregnant women who are exposed to DCPA could experience changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels, which is linked to health problems, including:
- Low birth weight
- Impaired brain development
- Decreased IQ
- Impaired motor skills
- Irreversible and permanent disabilities
- And more
Where Is Dacthal Used?
Dacthal (DCPA) is an herbicide (weed-killing chemical) that is registered to control weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. It is primarily used on crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. The non-agricultural uses of DCPA include grass and turf, golf courses, soccer fields, and athletic fields.
Pesticide Products Subject to Stop Order
In August 2024, the EPA issued an emergency order to stop use of Dacthal herbicide due to potential harm to unborn babies.
Effective immediately, no person or business in any state may use, distribute, sell, offer for sale, hold for sale, ship, deliver for shipment, or receive and (having so received) deliver or offer to deliver to any person any pesticide product containing DCPA.
What DCPA Products Were Banned?
The list of banned products includes:
- Dacthal Flowable Herbicide, EPA Reg. No. 5481-487 Registrant: AMVAC
- Dacthal W-75 Herbicide, EPA Reg. No. WI050002 Registrant: AMVAC
- Technical Chlorthal Dimethyl, EPA Reg. No. 5481-495 Registrant: AMVAC
Do I have a Dacthal (DCPA) Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dacthal (DCPA) induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your baby was diagnosed with birth defects from DCPA exposure during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dacthal Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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