Dachtal
Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate) was a chemical manufactured by American Vanguard Corporation Chemical Company (AMVAC), a subsidiary of American Vanguard Corporation. Dacthal was used in the formula of various herbicides. In 2024, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order to suspend the herbicide due to its significant health risks, particularly during gestation.
Lawsuits allege that Dacthal exposure has caused serious health issues, including increased risk of thyroid and other cancers and developmental problems in children due to fetal thyroid hormone levels. Dacthal also increases the risk of thyroid and other cancers in farm and agricultural workers.
Dachtel Lawsuit Updates
In October 2024, the EPA finalized the cancellation of all products containing Dacthal due to its significant health risks, which has prompted a surge in legal claims against AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the manufacturer of Dacthal.
Lawsuits allege that AMVAC failed to warn users about the potential health risks associated with Dacthal. As more information surfaces, thousands of lawsuits are expected to be filed with the potential of multidistrict litigation to streamline pretrial proceedings and manage a large number of cases.
About Dacthal
Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), was a chemical used in herbicides. Research links Dacthal to cancer, thyroid issues, and risks to fetal development.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency suspension of all Dacthal registrations due to significant health risks. Pregnant women exposed to Dacthal may unknowingly subject their fetuses to changes in thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills.
The EPA’s decision to suspend Dacthal marks the first emergency action of its kind in nearly 40 years. Despite efforts by the manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, to address these concerns, the EPA found that the proposed changes did not sufficiently mitigate the risks.
Dacthal-Related Injuries
Several studies have highlighted the health risks associated with Dacthal (DCPA). The EPA has found that exposure can disrupt fetal thyroid hormone levels, leading to serious developmental issues such as low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills.
Research has also shown that Dacthal can also cause liver, lung, kidney, and thyroid problems in animals at high-level, long-term exposure. The findings have led to increased regulatory scrutiny and the emergency EPA suspension.
American Vanguard Corporation (AMVAC) Chemical Company Liability
AMVAC Chemical Company, a subsidiary of AMVAC, faces liability for Dacthal primarily due to allegations that it failed to warn users about the potential health risks associated with exposure. The EPA required AMVAC to submit over 20 studies, including a critical thyroid study. However, the company failed to submit the studies by the 2016 deadline. A 2023 EPA assessment demonstrated that DCPA posed significant health risks.
A 2024 EPA report revealed that animal studies of Dacthal resulted in a higher number of stillbirths and maternal deaths than in control groups. Additionally, studies dating to the 1990s showed impaired kidney and adrenal function, as well as an increase in liver and thyroid tumors.
Dacthal Lawsuits
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against AMVAC Chemical Corporation regarding Dacthal. The litigation is still in its early stages with cases continuing to emerge. Given the increasing number of lawsuits, the cases may be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).
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