29 Aug EPA Orders Stop To Use of Dacthal in Herbicides Due to Health Concerns
Dacthal, also known by its chemical name dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), is an herbicide that has been widely used in agriculture since its introduction by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1958. It’s a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it stops weeds before they even see the light of day. Farmers and gardeners loved it. They would sprinkle it on their fields, and the weeds would simply never show up.
Dacthal was a big hit in states like California, Washington, and Arizona. It was especially popular for controlling weeds in crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions.
Even though Dacthal was widely used, its safety was questioned for years. Studies showed it was potentially harmful, especially for pregnant women, and lawsuits were filed. As affected individuals and communities sought accountability, understanding the legal basis for Dacthal lawsuits became important.
Health Risks Posed by Dacthal
Here are some of the health defects the EPA allegedly linked to the use of Dacthal that ultimately led to its ban.
Birth Defects
One of the most concerning consequences of Dacthal exposure is the potential harm it can cause to unborn children. The EPA has linked exposure to Dacthal during pregnancy with serious birth defects and developmental issues.
For example, babies born to mothers exposed to Dacthal might have low birth weight, a condition that can lead to a host of health problems.
Dacthal has also been linked to impaired brain development in fetuses. This may result in long-term cognitive deficits, like lower IQ and poor motor skills.
Dacthal exposure has also been associated with a higher risk of congenital defects. These may be physical abnormalities or more severe issues that affect a child’s overall health and development.
Thyroid and Liver Damage
The liver is our body’s detoxifier. It breaks down harmful substances, including medications and toxins. When Dacthal damages the liver, it can’t do its job as well. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can cause all sorts of problems.
The thyroid gland is another important organ. It controls our metabolism and hormone levels. Exposure to Dacthal may damage the thyroid, leading to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, fatigue, and other issues.
In pregnancy, thyroid damage can be especially dangerous because you need your thyroid hormones to have a healthy pregnancy.
Cancer Risks
Studies suggest that exposure to Dacthal might increase the risk of certain cancers, especially those affecting the liver and thyroid.
Even if you’re not a farmer, you may be at risk. If you live near agricultural areas, Dacthal might be seeping into the soil, air, and water.
And if you have a garden, you might be using products that contain Dacthal without even knowing it.
Water and Soil Contamination
Dacthal doesn’t just disappear after it’s applied. It leaves behind a toxic trail that may contaminate water and soil for years to come.
When Dacthal breaks down, it forms chemicals called TPA and MTP, which can seep into groundwater. And once it’s there, it’s hard to get rid of.
This contamination may pose a serious threat to both human health and the environment. People who live near areas where Dacthal was used might be at risk of exposure, even if they don’t work directly with the herbicide.
The Dacthal Lawsuit
The dangers of Dacthal haven’t gone unnoticed. People who may have been harmed by this herbicide are taking legal action against the company that made it, AMVAC Chemical Corporation.
These lawsuits focus on the potential harm caused to pregnant women and their children. The evidence is worrisome: Dacthal may lead to birth defects, developmental delays, and other serious health problems. Many families who were exposed to Dacthal weren’t warned about the risks. That’s why they’re suing AMVAC.
AMVAC is being held accountable for failing to provide enough safety information, delaying important research, and continuing to sell Dacthal even though they knew it might be dangerous. The EPA’s decision to ban Dacthal was partly because AMVAC didn’t provide the necessary data on time.
Families affected by Dacthal are seeking compensation to help cover medical expenses and other costs. They also want to ensure that their children receive the care they need to manage the potential long-term effects of Dacthal exposure.
Reference:
EPA Issues Emergency Order to Stop Use of Pesticide Dacthal to Address Serious Health Risk
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-emergency-order-stop-use-pesticide-dacthal-address-serious-health-risk-4
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Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD