EPA bans Dacthal over health concerns
On August 6, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order immediately suspending all uses of Dacthal, a highly toxic weedkiller, because of links to birth defects and other significant health problems.
Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) or chorthal-dimethyl, is an herbicide widely used in both agricultural and residential settings to control weeds. It has been used since the 1950s in the United States and across the world. Throughout the years, DCPA has been the subject of numerous health concerns including the EPA’s findings in the 1990s that can damage people’s thyroids. It was also identified as a “pesticide of concern in a 2022 peer-reviewed study conducted by the Environmental Working Group.
Dacthal birth defects
While Dacthal effectively controls weeds, there is mounting evidence that DCPA exposure can seriously hurt people and fetuses. The EPA banned DCPA after discovering Dacthal people exposed, including farmers and pregnant people, have an increased risk of health problems such as:
- Birth defects
- Developmental delays
- Neurological issues
- Other serious health issues
This is the first time in almost 40 years that the EPA has exercised its emergency authority. This emergency order takes immediate effect. Because the birth defect risks Dacthal poses are so serious, the Agency determined the usual lengthy process of removing herbicides was too slow.
Although the AMVAC Chemical corporation, the primary DCPA manufacturer tried to address the EPA’s concerns, the EPA determined that no practical mitigation measures could be implemented to allow DCPA’s continued use.
DCPA lawsuit eligibility
Motley Rice is filing Dacthal lawsuits for people who if, while pregnant, used or were exposed to DCPA and had a baby diagnosed with low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, impaired motor skills, and/or decreased bone deposition.
Complete this webform or call 1.800.768.4026 to contact attorney Mike Daly to discuss a potential DCPA lawsuit.
Our experience with pesticide litigation
Our attorneys’ experience in litigating toxic exposure for individuals, families, communities, and states is vast. We seek justice for our clients and strive to improve environmental standards and protections through our cases.
Our experience includes representing individuals who have developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after being exposed to Roundup weedkiller. Our firm also represents people who developed Parkinson’s Disease after exposure to the herbicide paraquat.