Dacthal Exposure and Your Child’s Health

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Emergency Suspension of Dacthal: What You Need to Know

On August 7, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency  suspension of Dacthal, or dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA). This marks the first  emergency suspension issued by the EPA in nearly 40 years. If you or your loved one were exposed to Dacthal and your child has a developmental disability, your family may be eligible for compensation. Although AMVAC, the sole producer of Dacthal, has halted production following the ban, the damage may already be done.

The History of Regulating Dacthal

Dacthal, a common pesticide, has been in use across the United States since 1958. Beginning in 2001, AMVAC became the primary producer of Dacthal for the U.S. market, where it was widely applied to crops such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, onions, strawberries, and on ornamental turfs.
The risks associated with Dacthal have been known since the 1980s. Studies from that era indicated links between Dacthal exposure and thyroid issues. While the European Union banned DCPA in 2009 due to these risks, it remained on the U.S. market. In 2013, the EPA requested further information from AMVAC. Although AMVAC did submit data, the EPA deemed it insufficient.
AMVAC’s product safety instructions claimed it was safe for workers to re-enter fields 12 hours after Dacthal application, despite research showing it could be harmful even 25 days later. By April 2022, the EPA had signaled its intention to suspend Dacthal, and in May 2023, it finally published a report confirming that Dacthal posed significant health risks to unborn children.  AMVAC’s delay in action culminated in the EPA’s emergency suspension more than a year later. Given the extensive body of research and AMVAC’s apparent reluctance to disclose critical information, it is likely that the company was aware of the potential harm Dacthal could cause. Unfortunately, their delayed response has resulted in the exposure of many pregnant women and the subsequent harm to children.

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Where You Might Be Exposed to Dacthal

The most obvious source of Dacthal exposure is through direct use in agricultural settings. Many farmworkers were exposed to the chemical during routine pesticide application. However, exposure isn’t limited to those who worked directly with Dacthal.
Dacthal has been shown to contaminate nearby soil and water supplies. Individuals living near farms that used Dacthal may have been unknowingly exposed through environmental contamination. Additionally, Dacthal was used on recreational lands, such as parks and golf courses, potentially exposing both workers and visitors.

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Common Health Issues Linked to Dacthal Exposure

When pregnant women are exposed to Dacthal, the pesticide can interfere with fetal thyroid hormone levels. This hormonal disruption can lead to various developmental issues, including low birth weight, reduced IQ, impaired brain development, and motor skills difficulties. Children exposed to Dacthal in utero may later develop neurological conditions such as ADHD, ADD, autism, or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite the known risks, AMVAC failed to include these potential consequences in its warnings.

Legal Action and Mass Torts

Currently, there is no multi-district litigation (MDL) or class action lawsuit filed against AMVAC. However, given the recent emergency ban and the widespread use of Dacthal, legal experts expect hundreds of lawsuits to be filed in the coming years.

Contact a Product Liability Attorney Today

If you or a loved one were exposed to Dacthal and your child has been diagnosed with any of the conditions mentioned above, you are not alone. At Van Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand how challenging it can be to go up against large corporations like AMVAC.
We are committed to helping families seek justice for the harm caused by Dacthal. Our legal team can quickly assess your case and provide guidance on the next steps. If you have a viable claim, we will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you and your child deserve.