The Dangers of Dacthal: What You Need to Know
Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate or DCPA, is an industrial herbicide. It is widely used to control weeds and plants, and is most commonly used in in fruit and vegetable crops. Though the chemical is effective at controlling unwanted plants, the dangers of Dacthal exposure are becoming more concerning.
Recently, Dacthal has received a lot of media attention because, on August 6, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued an Emergency Stop Use Order due to the degree and severity of health risks that the chemical poses.
In this blog, we’ll explore how people can be exposed to Dacthal and the harmful effects it can have on health. We will also discuss how KBA Attorneys are investigating cases involving Dacthal exposure and birth defects. If you believe you have been affected, you may be eligible for legal action.
How Are People Exposed to Dacthal?
People can be exposed to Dacthal in several ways. The most common forms of exposure are through air contact, direct skin exposure, and drinking water. Well water supplies in agricultural areas may come into contact with DCPA, leading to contamination. If you use well water, it is important to have your water tested regularly to ensure that it is free from harmful chemicals like Dacthal.
Another way people come into contact with Dacthal is through direct skin exposure. This problem is a significant concern for industrial workers (e.g. golf course workers), farmers and field workers who tend to crops where DCPA was used as a herbicide to control grasses and weeds. Once on the skin, exposure can spread by touching your eyes or other sensitive areas.
Exposure to can also happen through inhalation, which is also a concern primarily for industrial workers, farmers, and field workers. Unlike skin contact, inhalation risks are more “hidden,”. This is because many workers believe their workspace is far enough away from fields or crops to be free from exposure. However, they still may be affected. Also, residents who live within the vicinity of a farm that use Dacthal may also be affected. The chemical in the product can travel much further than originally thought and can remain prevalent in the environment for a month or more after each application.
Health Risks of Dacthal Exposure
While Dacthal itself was once thought to have limited health effects, it contains harmful dioxins. The most dangerous of these is 2,3,7,8-TCDD, a highly toxic dioxin linked to several health issues. Even in small amounts, exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD can cause serious harm.
One of the most alarming risks associated with Dacthal is cancer. Exposure to dioxins like 2,3,7,8-TCDD can increase your risk of developing various types of cancer. Long-term exposure is particularly concerning, as it can lead to cumulative health effects over time.
In addition to cancer, exposure to Dacthal can result in birth defects, liver damage, and problems with the thymus gland. These issues can affect multiple systems in the body, leading to long-term health complications.
Dacthal exposure can also weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and diseases. It can cause reproductive failure, which can prevent people from having children. Skin damage, weight loss, and other health issues have also been reported after exposure to DCPA and its dioxin ingredients.
How Can You Limit Your Exposure to Dacthal?
In most states, employers are required to inform their workers of the type and nature of chemicals the workers may be exposed to, and the protective gear required for maximum protection. Employers also have an obligation to provide training on proper use and protective gear. If you are an employee in a workplace that uses Dacthal-based herbicides, it’s important to protect yourself from exposure. If you work on a farm or industrial setting, you should be able to meet with your supervisor and go over what chemicals the facility uses. You should also go over what has been historically used in previous years.
In a case of prior exposure, where workers believe they may have been exposed to a chemical but may not have a full awareness of the chemicals used at a prior job, law firms such as KBA often employ investigative techniques to discover a past job site’s historical chemical usage. Whenever encountering a chemical, always follow printed directions on the product packaging and wear protective gear, such as gloves and long sleeves, when applying the herbicide. Avoid touching your face or eyes until you have washed your hands thoroughly.
In many states, Dacthal-based herbicides are now no longer being used, as the knowledge of the risks of this product is becoming more well-known, much thanks to the EPA’s recent ban on the chemical.
KBA Attorneys Is Investigating Dacthal Birth Defect Cases
As the health risks of Dacthal become more apparent, KBA Attorneys is actively investigating cases where pregnant mothers were exposed to DCPA and then had children born with birth defects including, low birth weight, limb malformation, and impaired brain development.. If you were exposed to Dacthal during pregnancy and your child was born with health problems, you and your child may be entitled to compensation.
KBA Attorneys has extensive experience handling cases involving toxic chemical exposure. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by harmful herbicides like Dacthal. KBA Attorneys is currently investigating cases involving Dacthal exposure, and you may be eligible for compensation. Don’t wait—contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and how we can help.