Dacthal® Exposure
Case status: 1-800-LAW-FIRM is no longer accepting new Dacthal (DCPA) cases. We keep this page online as information about Dacthal and its possible health risks during pregnancy.
Dacthal, also known by its chemical name DCPA (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate), was a widely used herbicide for decades. However, recent scientific evidence has linked DCPA exposure during pregnancy to serious health risks in unborn children. In August 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order suspending all uses of Dacthal due to these concerns. If you were pregnant and exposed to Dacthal, and your child suffers from birth defects or developmental delays, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
The EPA’s action highlights the significant dangers posed by Dacthal, particularly for pregnant women. Studies have shown that exposure to DCPA can disrupt fetal thyroid hormone levels, which are crucial for proper brain and physical development. This can lead to a range of health problems, including low birth weight, intellectual disabilities, and heart defects.
If you already spoke with us about a Dacthal claim and have questions, call 1-800-LAW-FIRM at (800) 529-3476.
Dacthal (DCPA) Update (November 2026)
- Dacthal is permanently off the market. The EPA canceled all remaining DCPA registrations effective October 23, 2024. Selling or using existing stocks is no longer allowed. The EPA confirmed this again in guidance it last updated in December 2025.
- The health concern is exposure during pregnancy. The EPA found that DCPA exposure during pregnancy can change fetal thyroid hormone levels. That has been linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills.
- No MDL, settlements or verdicts. As of November 2026, no federal MDL has been formed for Dacthal claims, and no settlements or trial verdicts have been publicly reported.
Last updated November 6, 2026. This update is general information, not legal advice.
What is Dacthal?
Dacthal was a pesticide used to control weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. It was made only by AMVAC Chemical Corporation and was used mainly on crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and onions. The EPA canceled all remaining Dacthal registrations effective October 23, 2024.
Who may have been exposed?
Women are at risk if they were pregnant and worked at farms sprayed with Dacthal, particularly individuals that entered or worked in areas where Dacthal has already been applied, such as workers tasked with transplanting, weeding and harvesting. The pesticide has also been applied in public parks, residential complexes, golf courses, and athletic fields. Additionally, it might be possible for Dacthal to cause groundwater contamination.
Understanding the Risks of DCPA
Dacthal was once widely used as a weed killer on farms, golf courses, and lawns. However, recent research has linked DCPA exposure to serious health problems in developing fetuses. The EPA cited concerns that DCPA can disrupt fetal thyroid hormone levels, which are crucial for proper brain development.
Additionally, studies have suggested that DCPA exposure may be linked to other adverse health outcomes in children, such as skeletal abnormalities including birth defects affecting the bones and muscles, congenital heart problems that can range from mild to severe and neurological issues including developmental delays, learning difficulties and intellectual disabilities.
It’s important to note that while research has linked DCPA exposure to these health problems, more studies are needed to fully understand the extent of the risks. If you believe you were exposed to Dacthal during pregnancy, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns and monitor your child’s development.
How Can DCPA Exposure Affect a Pregnancy?
Studies suggest that DCPA exposure during pregnancy may be linked to:
- Birth defects: Malformations that can affect the heart, brain, limbs, facial features, and other organs.
- Low birth weight: Babies born with low birth weight are at a higher risk for health problems throughout their lives.
- Developmental delays: Children may be slow to reach milestones such as speech, motor skills, and cognitive development.
- Learning and neurological issues: Children exposed in the womb may have learning disabilities, memory problems, or other neurological conditions.
These are some of the potential consequences of DCPA exposure during pregnancy. The full range of effects is still being studied.
Dacthal Exposure and Potential Lawsuits
The recent EPA ban on Dacthal signifies the growing recognition of potential health risks associated with the herbicide. This has opened the door for legal action for families who believe their children were harmed by DCPA exposure during pregnancy. Lawsuits may target the manufacturer of Dacthal for failing to adequately warn consumers about the risks, as well as other parties involved in the production, distribution, and application of the herbicide. Affected families may seek compensation for the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from their child’s health problems.
Who Can File a Lawsuit?
Women who were pregnant and exposed to Dacthal during their pregnancy, as well as their children who were born with health problems potentially linked to this exposure, may be eligible to file a lawsuit against various parties. These parties could include Dacthal manufacturers, who may have failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks to pregnant women, and individuals or entities responsible for the application of Dacthal, such as farm workers or neighbors. Additionally, property owners or landowners where Dacthal was used might also be potential defendants in such lawsuits, especially if they were aware of the risks and failed to take appropriate measures to prevent exposure.