Dacthal Pesticide Exposure

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency directive prohibiting the use of Dacthal, a pesticide that presents a significant danger to children whose mothers were exposed to it during pregnancy. Many hazardous products on the market can pose serious health risks to consumers, often leading to long-term consequences for vulnerable populations.

Meyers & Flowers is Taking Legal Action on Behalf of Dacthal Exposure Victims Nationwide

Meyers & Flowers is actively investigating claims on behalf of women who were exposed to Dacthal while pregnant and gave birth to children who were harmed by the toxic effects of the herbicide. With over 20 years of experience in representing victims of hazardous products, our legal team understands the devastating consequences exposure to chemicals can have. By investigating claims from affected individuals nationwide, we are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation our clients deserve. If you or a loved one has experienced health issues linked to Dacthal exposure, our team is here to help. Book a consultation with us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

What is Dacthal (DCPA)?

Initially approved in the late 1950s, Dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) is a selective pre-emergent herbicide commonly used to control certain types of weeds, particularly in crops like vegetables, cotton, and tobacco. It’s marketed under the trade name Dacthal and is favored for its ability to target grassy and broadleaf weeds without affecting the desired crops.

The chemical works by inhibiting weed seed germination, making it particularly effective when applied before weeds begin to emerge. Despite its long history, recent research highlights its potential risks, especially to vulnerable populations. This has led to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emergency suspension of DCPA products in the U.S.

Products That Contain DCPA

Dacthal Flowable Herbicide

Designed for agricultural use in a wide range of crops, including onions, beans, and tomatoes
Often applied to the soil surface before weeds begin to germinate

Dacthal W-75

A wettable powder version of DCPA
Primarily used for turf and ornamental applications, including use on golf courses, parks, and home lawns

Dacthal Granular

Often used for home gardening and landscaping
Ideal for small-scale settings like around flower beds, vegetable gardens, and shrubbery

Why is Dacthal Dangerous?

Dacthal has been linked to severe birth defects and developmental issues when pregnant women are exposed. Exposure can occur through contaminated water sources, agricultural run-off, or inhalation of pesticide spray drift. The toxic chemicals in Dacthal have been found to disrupt fetal development, leading to complications such as:

Birth defects
Neurological impairments
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Developmental delays

If you or your unborn child experienced any of these conditions after pesticide exposure, you are not alone—our legal team is here to help you seek justice.

How Pregnant Women Are Exposed to Dacthal (DCPA)

Pregnant women may be exposed to Dacthal in various ways, especially if they live or work near farms, agricultural areas, or places where the herbicide is heavily applied. Some of the most common sources of exposure include:

Contaminated drinking water from pesticide runoff
Airborne exposure through pesticide drift
Consumption of pesticide-tainted produce

Unfortunately, many families are unaware of the dangers associated with chemical pesticides like Dacthal until they experience the tragic consequences firsthand.

EPA Issues Emergency Stop Order for Dacthal

On August 6, 2024, the EPA issued an emergency stop order suspending all uses of DCPA, marking the agency’s first such action in nearly 40 years. Here’s what you need to know:

This decision followed a voluntary request by AMVAC Chemical Corporation to cancel DCPA products after mounting evidence of the herbicide's health hazards
The EPA’s suspension is aimed at preventing imminent harm to human health, with particular concern for pregnant individuals and farmworkers
Under the order, DCPA products are barred from distribution, sale, and use, and AMVAC is actively implementing a return program to collect all remaining products

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A History of Concern & EPA Action

Dacthal has been scrutinized for decades. For example:

Since the 1990s, studies have linked DCPA to thyroid toxicity, particularly harmful to developing fetuses
Despite this, DCPA remained on the market due to ongoing debates and additional testing requirements
The EPA classified DCPA as a “possible carcinogen” in 1995 based on animal studies, and a 2019 study revealed DCPA residues on nearly 60% of kale samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Public health advocates have consistently raised concerns, with calls to ban DCPA intensifying over the past decade

Statement From AMVAC

“American Vanguard Corporation (NYSE: AVD) today announced that, following its decision in April 2024 to voluntarily stop sales of Dacthal herbicide products, the Company has submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) voluntary cancellation requests for all of its federal registrations of those products. Those registrations are currently the subject of an emergency suspension order that was issued by EPA on August 6, 2024.

In connection with its action, the Company made the following statements.

While the Company continues to question EPA’s conclusions in support of the suspension, we believe that the best course of action is to voluntarily cancel registrations of this product. We are working apace with both state and federal authorities to effect product return and to remove
Dacthal from channels of distribution. It is the Company’s position that product stewardship be international in scope; thus, we will now proceed to voluntarily cancel all international registrations as well.

It is important to note that EPA’s findings are based upon the test results of a single, relatively new study that the Company had provided to the agency over two years ago which showed an effect on fetal rodents at certain dose levels. As is typically the case with such studies, the observed effect was extrapolated to indicate a potential effect upon human beings. The suspension order, then, was issued by EPA on the premise of preventing potential harm, rather than in response to an actual, reported harm. The Company had been working with the EPA in good faith for over one year to identify risk mitigation measures that might alleviate concerns and allow continued use of high-benefit use patterns. However, these measures apparently did not give the EPA sufficient certainty at the time. The Company was also discussing with the EPA the potential for completion of additional toxicology and exposure studies that may have alleviated risk concerns, had they been afforded time to proceed. The Company nevertheless thanks EPA for expending time and resources to consider and evaluate the many proposed risk mitigation measures.”

How Can the Dacthal Lawyers at Meyers & Flowers Help You?

The experienced attorneys at Meyers & Flowers are dedicated to representing individuals harmed by toxic pesticides like Dacthal. We are actively investigating claims on behalf of those affected, with a particular focus on families impacted by fetal and developmental health issues linked to DCPA exposure. Our legal team, led by Peter J. Flowers, currently co-lead counsel in the Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, has extensive expertise in holding manufacturers accountable for the health impacts of harmful products.

We are committed to guiding our clients through the legal process and helping them seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by DCPA.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to Dacthal and suffered health consequences, contact Meyers & Flowers today to learn more about how we can help.