Texas Dacthal DCPA Lawyer

Dacthal (DCPA) pesticide exposure in pregnancy is linked to health problems for babies, low birth weight, low IQ, brain damage, motor delays, impaired motor skills, weak bones, and more.

Need a Texas Dacthal Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If your baby had health problems from exposure to Dacthal (DCPA) during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

What is the Problem?

For decades, studies have shown that Dacthal (DCPA) pesticide exposure in pregnancy can disrupt fetal thyroid hormone levels for the developing baby, which can result in severe, lifelong health problems.

EPA Issues Emergency Ban on Dacthal (DCPA) Weed-Killing Pesticide

In August 2024, the EPA banned the weed-killing pesticide Dacthal® (DCPA) due to the severe health risks it poses to pregnant women and their babies.

What Happened?

The Emergency Order was the first time in nearly 40 years that the EPA used its authority to immediately pull a pesticide off the market.

“DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately,” said Michal Freedhoff, the EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety. He warned:

“In this case, pregnant women who may never even know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems.”

What is the Risk?

Babies who were exposed to DCPA during pregnancy may suffer from:

Low birth weight
Low IQ
Impaired brain development
Impaired motor skills
Delayed milestones
Decreased bone deposition
Weak bones, low bone density, broken bones, etc.
Lifelong disabilities
And more

Symptoms May Not Be Obvious Right Away

Pregnant women may not show any symptoms of DCPA exposure, even at unsafe levels. Babies may not show symptoms immediately after birth, but eventually go on to develop severe health problems.

Doctors May Not Diagnose Children Exposed to DCPA

Many of the health problems for babies exposed to DCPA will not be immediately obvious at the time of birth. Even as the child grows older and shows more symptoms, doctors may not properly diagnose that the symptoms were caused by DCPA pesticide exposure in the womb.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Farm workers and their families
People who live in agricultural regions (2009 study found traces of Dacthal inside homes that were over 1.5 miles from the nearest agricultural field)
Users of athletic fields (golf courses, soccer fields, etc.) — “EPA also identified potential risks for individuals using golf courses and athletic fields after DCPA was applied.”
Pesticide applicators
Sod (grass) for homes and residential areas
And more

What is Dacthal?

Dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) is a weed-killing pesticide (herbicide) that is sold under the trade-name Dacthal® by the AMVAC Chemical Corporation, a company based in California. The products include:

Dacthal Flowable Herbicide, EPA Reg. No. 5481-487 Registrant: AMVAC
Dacthal W-75 Herbicide, EPA Reg. No. WI050002 Registrant: AMVAC
Technical Chlorthal Dimethyl, EPA Reg. No. 5481-495 Registrant: AMVAC

How Does DCPA Work?

DCPA is sprayed on the field crops, sod farms, nurseries, grass, turf, and athletic fields to kill weeds. It is only effective when it is sprayed before weed seed germination occurs. It is a benzoic acid herbicide that works by preventing the cell division of root tips in target plants.

Dacthal Safety Concerns Emerged in 1990s

DCPA was classified as a possible carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical) in 1995 after studies showed that it caused thyroid tumors in some animals. In 2009, DCPA was banned in Europe.

In 2013, the EPA asked AMVAC Chemical Corporation to submit safety data on the health risks of DCPA. Instead, AMVAC failed to submit the required safety data for nearly a decade.

The data was finally submitted in May 2023, and after it was reviewed, the EPA found “evidence of health risks associated with DCPA use and application,” even when handlers wore protective equipment.

DCPA Poses Health Risks for At Least 25 Days After Spraying

DCPA poses health risks for pregnant women for at least 25 days after it is applied. Pregnant women may absorb unsafe levels of DCPA even if they work in a field several weeks after DCPA was applied.

“Levels of DCPA in the previously treated fields remained at unsafe levels for 25 days or more,” according to the EPA warning for farmworkers.

DCPA Spray Drift in the Air — Another Health Risk for People Living Nearby

DCPA spray drift in the air is another risk for pregnant women who live in agricultural areas. Pregnant women who live near fields where DCPA was sprayed can breathe unsafe levels of DCPA in the air, according to the EPA. They may never even know they were exposed.

Where Is Dacthal Used in Texas?

Texas is one of a handful of states where Dacthal (DCPA) has been used. DCPA is registered for agricultural and non-agricultural uses.

DCPA is registered for agricultural uses, including on Allium species (onions, chives, garlic, leeks, etc.), Brassica species (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, etc.), cucurbits (zucchini, squash, pumpkin, etc.), root vegetables (carrots, beets, etc.), fruiting vegetables, strawberry, sod, and nursery ornamental production.

Non-agricultural uses of DCPA include non-residential grass/turf including golf courses, athletic fields, sod farms, and more.

Need a Dacthal DCPA Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.