Were You Exposed to Dacthal (DCPA) During Pregnancy? You May Be Entitled to Compensation

If you were a pregnant farmworker exposed to the herbicide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), commonly known as Dacthal, and your child has experienced health issues, you may be eligible to seek compensation. DCPA exposure during pregnancy has now been definitively linked to serious, and in some cases irreversible, harm to unborn children. The EPA has not only suspended but now fully cancelled all registrations of Dacthal in the United States, a rare and significant move that underscores the gravity of the risks associated with this chemical.

Who Can File a DCPA Dacthal Lawsuit?

You may qualify to file a lawsuit and pursue financial compensation if the following criteria apply to you:

• You worked on a farm or nursery while pregnant where crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, or onion bulbs were grown;
• You were exposed to or used DCPA (either directly as an applicator or indirectly through weeding, transplanting, tying, thinning, or harvesting the above crops);
• Your child was born with one or more of the following conditions:
  • Low birth weight
  • Impaired brain development
  • Decreased IQ
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Decreased bone deposition

These health complications are not isolated incidents—they are now widely recognized as being linked to fetal exposure to DCPA.

The EPA’s Emergency and Final Actions Against DCPA

In August 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took unprecedented emergency action to suspend the registration of all Dacthal products on the U.S. market. This decision was driven by scientific findings indicating that fetal exposure to DCPA can alter thyroid hormone levels, a factor strongly associated with developmental issues in unborn babies.

By October 22, 2024, the EPA announced the final cancellation of all DCPA-containing pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This action prohibits the distribution, sale, and use of DCPA products nationwide.

“With the final cancellation of DCPA, we’re taking a definitive step to protect pregnant women and their unborn babies,” said EPA Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff. “The science showing the potential for irreversible harm to unborn babies’ developing brains demands decisive action to remove this dangerous chemical from the marketplace.”

EPA’s decision came after years of data delays and regulatory violations by AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the sole manufacturer of DCPA. Despite being issued a Data Call-In as far back as 2013 to submit safety studies, particularly on thyroid impacts, AMVAC failed to comply for nearly a decade.

Even with personal protective equipment in use, EPA’s assessments found that pregnant women could be exposed to DCPA levels 4 to 20 times greater than what is considered safe for fetal development. Unsafe DCPA residue could persist in treated fields for over 25 days, posing an ongoing risk to farmworkers and their unborn children.

Why Families Are Suing

Families are now turning to the civil legal system to hold DCPA manufacturers accountable for the life-altering harm caused by this pesticide. Lawsuits seek justice for children who have suffered birth defects and developmental delays because of in-womb exposure to Dacthal.

Pursuing a claim can help families recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and ongoing treatment
• Special education and therapy services
• Pain and suffering
• Lost earning capacity

These lawsuits are complex and often involve going up against large corporations with significant legal resources. That’s why having an experienced legal team, like Clark, Perdue & List, is critical to building a compelling case and securing the compensation your family deserves.

We’re Here to Help

Clark, Perdue & List is committed to helping families who have been affected by Dacthal exposure. If you or a loved one was pregnant while working on a farm that used DCPA and your child has since been diagnosed with health complications, contact us today for a free consultation.

We’ll help you understand your rights, evaluate your eligibility for a claim, and fight for the justice your family deserves.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and laws are subject to change. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation.

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