For decades, farmers and agricultural workers have used the herbicide Dacthal to control weeds around vital crops like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. However, this popular chemical has been linked to serious and debilitating health risks—and now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action. In August 2024, the agency issued an emergency suspension of all Dacthal registrations in the United States, the first such emergency action taken by the EPA in nearly 40 years. A California Dacthal pesticide exposure lawyer can help if you or a loved one has suffered harm from this substance.
The EPA Has Issued a Rare Emergency Order for Dacthal
The EPA’s decision came after mounting evidence linked Dacthal to severe health risks, especially for unborn children exposed through their mothers during pregnancy. Studies reveal that pregnant agricultural workers exposed to Dacthal—often unknowingly—could experience changes in fetal thyroid hormone levels. These disruptions are linked to devastating consequences: low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and compromised motor skills that may prove irreversible.
The path to this ban began in 2013 when the EPA requested that AMVAC Chemical Corporation, Dacthal’s sole manufacturer, provide safety data on the herbicide. Despite years of extensions and opportunities, AMVAC failed to deliver complete studies. In April 2022, the EPA issued a Notice of Intent to Suspend Dacthal-related products due to AMVAC’s failure to provide this data. The company responded by providing sufficient data, and this suspension was lifted.
By May 2023, the EPA released its assessment and found that pregnant workers handling Dacthal products faced exposure levels up to 20 times higher than deemed safe for unborn babies. Even with protective equipment and engineering controls, the risks remained unacceptable. The EPA determined that continued Dacthal use posed such serious and imminent dangers that immediate action was necessary, leading to the emergency order and subsequent ban.
Victims of Dacthal Are Filing Lawsuits Against AMVAC Chemical Corporation
People affected by Dacthal exposure are now filing lawsuits to seek justice for the harm that they and their children have suffered. Successful claims allow victims to recover compensation to help pay for several damages related to these health effects, including:
- All past and future medical expenses related to the medical condition
- Any wage loss or loss of earning potential that you have sustained due to the medical condition
- Loss of quality of life that you or your child have sustained as a result of Dacthal exposure
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering associated with the medical diagnosis and living with the condition
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel to and from medical appointments or the cost of disability accommodations
You may be eligible for a Dacthal lawsuit if you worked or lived near areas where Dacthal was used, such as agricultural fields or residential areas. You will need to show that you suffered significant or frequent exposure to Dacthal and that you or your unborn child were diagnosed with a medical condition linked to the herbicide. Eligibility can be challenging to determine on your own, which is why you should consult with an attorney representing victims in these claims as soon as possible.
Discuss Your Legal Options with a Dacthal Lawsuit Attorney
If you were exposed to Dacthal and suffered from severe health conditions, you need an attorney on your side who can fight for your right to fair compensation. At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, we are representing clients nationwide in their lawsuits against AMVAC. We know what it takes to hold large corporations accountable for their negligence. Start your legal journey today and call (800) 220-0984 for a free, confidential consultation.