EPA report Injuries related to DCPA Pesticides

Shub & Johns launches investigation into the common weedkilling pesticide DCPA, otherwise known as Dacthal, or dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, after the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency suspension of the product.

Dacthal, or DCPA, is a common product used to control weeds both in agricultural environments as well as domestic or business settings. The chemical herbicide is typically applied to grass or turf, and even produce like strawberries, cotton, broccoli, and onions. Though the chemical has been in wide use, the EPA has considered the product dangerous for years and is now calling for an emergency suspension of DCPA.

The EPA has cited that DCPA can lead to serious risks for expecting mothers and unborn babies who may come into contact with the chemical. Exposure to Dacthal can lead to developmental impairment and low birth weight, and may lead to impaired motor skills after birth and later in life. According to the EPA, this chemical can also affect fetal thyroid hormone levels in the baby.

While the product claims that consumers may enter a field previously covered in DCPA after 12 hours of application, the environment or produce sprayed with DCPA may still retain unsafe levels of the chemical for over 25 days. This may put consumers at further risk of exposure.

Have you purchased and used DCPA, or Dacthal, or believe you have potentially been exposed to unsafe levels of the product? Let us know! Fill out the attached form and join the Shub & Johns investigation today.