EPA Moves to Ban Dacthal: Worker Safety Concerns

The US EPA's proposed rule to ban Dacthal (DCPA) is rooted in concerns about the significant health risks it poses, particularly to workers who handle the pesticide or work in treated fields. Dacthal has been shown to disrupt thyroid hormone levels in fetuses, potentially leading to long-term developmental issues such as low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and motor skill deficits.

California appeals court upholds verdict against Monsanto for Roundup exposure

The claims of occupational exposures of landscapers and groundskeepers to herbicides such as Roundup were received further support by a recent decision by the California Court of Appeals. The Court affirmed the verdict of the trial court upholding the finding causal relationship between the product and cancer.

A Surge in Groundskeeper/Landscaper Cancer Claims Foreseeable

The second jury verdict that occurred in California against Monsanto/Bayer for cancer arising out of exposure to Roundup that contained glyphosate may foreshadow a surge in workers’ compensation cancer claims for groundskeepers and landscapers.