Dacthal Birth Injuries

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an urgent directive banning Dacthal, a pesticide identified as a severe risk to children whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy. Numerous hazardous products on the market pose significant health risks, often resulting in lasting impacts on vulnerable populations.

The Alvarez Law Firm is Taking Legal Action on Behalf of Dacthal Exposure Victims Nationwide

The Alvarez Law Firm is actively investigating claims on behalf of women who were exposed to Dacthal during pregnancy and whose children have suffered harm due to the herbicide's toxic effects.

With multi-million dollar verdicts against major corporations in pharmaceutical, medical malpractice, and injury cases, our firm has set key legal precedents while securing justice and compensation for our clients and their families. By investigating claims nationwide, we are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and obtaining the compensation our clients deserve.

If you or a loved one has faced health issues linked to Dacthal exposure, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

What is Dacthal (DCPA)?

Dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) is a selective pre-emergent herbicide widely used to manage specific weed varieties in crops such as vegetables, cotton, and tobacco. It was first FDA-approved in the late 1950s.

Sold under the trade name Dacthal, it is valued for its ability to selectively target grassy and broadleaf weeds without harming the main crops. The herbicide prevents weed seed germination, making it particularly effective when applied before weeds appear.

However, recent studies have underscored significant risks associated with DCPA, especially for vulnerable populations. As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency suspension of DCPA products in the United States.

Products Containing DCPA

Dacthal Flowable Herbicide

Formulated for agricultural use across various crops, including onions, beans, and tomatoes
Typically applied to the soil surface before weed germination begins

Dacthal W-75

A wettable powder form of DCPA
Primarily used for turf and ornamental applications, including golf courses, parks, and residential lawns

Dacthal Granular

Commonly used for home gardening and landscaping
Ideal for smaller areas such as flower beds, vegetable gardens, and around shrubbery

Why Dacthal is Dangerous

Exposure to Dacthal has been associated with severe congenital disabilities and developmental issues when pregnant women come into contact with it. This exposure can occur through contaminated water, agricultural runoff, or inhalation of pesticide spray drift.

The harmful chemicals in Dacthal can interfere with fetal development, leading to complications such as:

Neurological impairments
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Developmental delays

If you or your unborn child has experienced any of these conditions due to pesticide exposure, you’re 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 multiple ways, particularly if they live or work near farms, agricultural zones, or areas where the herbicide is frequently used. Common sources of exposure include:

Contaminated drinking water due to pesticide runoff
Airborne exposure from pesticide drift
Consuming produce with pesticide residues

Tragically, many families remain unaware of the risks associated with chemical pesticides like Dacthal until they face the 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, the agency's first action in nearly 40 years. Here’s what you need to know:

This decision followed AMVAC Chemical Corporation's voluntary request to discontinue DCPA products due to increasing evidence of health risks associated with the herbicide.
The EPA’s suspension aims to prevent immediate harm to human health, with particular concern for pregnant individuals and agricultural workers
Under this order, DCPA products are prohibited from distribution, sale, and use
AMVAC is also implementing a return program to collect all remaining products

Dacthal has faced scrutiny for decades. For example:

Studies since the 1990s have linked DCPA to thyroid toxicity, posing particular risks to developing fetuses
Despite these findings, DCPA remained available on the market due to continued debates and additional testing requirements
In 1995, the EPA classified DCPA as a “possible carcinogen” based on animal studies, and a 2019 USDA study detected DCPA residues on nearly 60% of tested kale samples
Public health advocates have long raised concerns, with calls to ban DCPA growing stronger 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.”

Find Compassionate Legal Support for Dacthal-Related Birth Injuries at The Alvarez Law Firm

Founded by one of the nation’s top civil justice attorneys, our boutique trial practice has consistently achieved remarkable results, securing multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest corporations, including those in Big Tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and medical malpractice. Integrity for Justice is more than just our motto; The Alvarez Law Firm has established key legal precedents, ensuring our clients receive fair compensation and contribute to protecting public health.

Our firm’s reach extends across multiple states, with attorneys licensed to practice in various jurisdictions. This multi-state licensing empowers us to provide effective, personalized support to clients nationwide. Regardless of where you are, you can trust in our ability to deliver comprehensive legal expertise tailored to the unique aspects of your case.

The Alvarez Law Firm is also the expert’s expert—attorneys from across the country rely on our team for guidance on complex cases, jury research, and focus groups. We believe successful verdicts stem from meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of each case’s unique challenges.

If you or a loved one has been affected by Dacthal exposure, don’t face this journey alone. Book a consultation with us today to learn how we can support you in seeking justice and compensation.