Description

Diazinon is an insecticide in the organophosphate family. Diazinon is applied to some food crops such as nuts, fruits, vegetables and forage crops. It is also used for cattle ear tag applications to control fleas and ticks. It has been prohibited for residential use since 2004. The EPA plans to phase out most granular formulations and aerial, seed and foliar applications.

In late 2000, the manufacturers of diazinon agreed to a four-year phaseout of all indoor uses, all lawn and garden uses, and all other nonagricultural outdoor uses, after the EPA determined that diazinon poses health risks to humans, birds and other wildlife.

Health Effects

Immediate Health Effects

If SWALLOWED, diazinon is Very Highly Toxic
If ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN, diazinon is Highly Toxic-not well absorbed
If INHALED (SNIFFED OR BREATHED IN), diazinon is Very Highly Toxic

Longterm or Delayed Health Effects

There is currently no evidence that diazinon causes cancer or impacts fertility, however, there are studies that suggest, but not prove, a link to childhood cancer and negative effects on sperm.
Neurotoxin = Can harm brain and central nervous system

Other

In laboratory experiments, fetal rodents exposed to diazinon suffered from reduced weight, loss of some fetuses and affects on neural development.
Contact may cause skin and eye irritation.
Repeated or long-term exposure may cause liver damage or nerve damage.
If inhaled or touched, can affect the central nervous system, causing headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting, tightness in the chest, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, paralysis, seizures and muscle twitching. In severe cases, may cause death.
Repeated exposure may cause headaches, muscle weakness, dizziness, and poor coordination. It may also cause personality changes, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Exposure to diazinon and chlorpyrifos during pregnancy may result in smaller birth size for infants, according to a 2004 study. Women with higher diazinon and chlorpyrifos levels in their blood and umbilical-cord blood gave birth to lighter, shorter babies, with birth weights increasing again after government restrictions on the two insecticides, the study found.

How Exposures Occur

Contact with Treated Areas

After diazinon has been applied indoors or on lawns or gardens, children may be exposed by inhalation or by putting their hands in their mouths after touching treated turf or soil. Young children may also touch or ingest diazinon granules found on lawns or gardens. Children who touch or play with pets that have been treated with diazinon may also be exposed.

Pesticide Application and Drift

Children can inhale diazinon when it is being applied inside the home, on home lawns and gardens or when spray drifts from neighboring lawns, farms, or orchards.

In Water

Children could be exposed to low levels of diazinon in drinking water. Diazinon is not currently regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act but has been proposed to be added to the list of water contaminants restricted under the Act.

Through Food

Some samples of food tested by the government and analyzed by Consumers Union were found to contain residues of diazinon. Children could ingest diazinon on their food.

Occupational

The highest risk of exposure is in those working with the chemical

Significant Statistics

Approximately 4 million pounds of diazinon are used in agriculture annually. The highest use is on almonds and stone fruits.

Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision: Diazinon. US Environmental Protection Agency. May 2004. http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/100046YE.txt?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=2000%20Thru%202005&Docs=&Query=738R04006%20diazinon&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=3&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=pubnumber^"738R04006"&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&UseQField=pubnumber&IntQFieldOp=1&ExtQFieldOp=1&XmlQuery=&File=D:\ZYFILES\INDEX%20DATA\00THRU05\TXT\00000007\100046YE.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h|-&MaximumDocuments=10&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=p|f&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=3&ZyEntry=1#.

Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide, a class of nerve-gas weaons developed by Nazi scientists during World War II. It is so toxic, the EPA warns farmers not to touch crops for 45 days after spraying.

EPA Sued over Diazinon. Pesticide Action Network. July 31, 2008. http://www.panna.org/resources/panups/panup_20080731.

Solutions

How to detect diazinon

Food: There is no way for parents to determine exactly how much diazinon may be in their children’s food. You can get a rough idea of the fruits and vegetables that may contain diazinon from:

The Environmental Working Group’s Report Card: Pesticides in Produce

Consumers Union’s May 2000 Update on Pesticides in Children’s Food

Although diazinon is no longer sold for residential uses, it may be found in older pesticide formulas stored in the home or garage. Check to be sure diazinon is not listed as an ingredient before use. Lists of pesticides that contain diazinon can be found in the National Library of Medicine’s Household Products Database and in the PAN Pesticides Database.

How to minimize exposure to diazinon

Avoid the use of pesticides whenever possible, especially near children.
If you have any products containing diazinon, contact your local sanitation department or hazardous waste disposal program to find out how to dispose of pesticides properly. Earth 911 lists hazardous waste disposal sites by zip code.
Remove shoes at the door or use a doormat to wipe feet to prevent pesticides from being tracked indoors, where they can become embedded in carpets. Replace carpets with washable rugs and mop floors frequently to remove any residues.
Wash non-organic fruits and vegetables well and peel them when possible. Choose organic foods, if possible. A good place to start is with 10 Fruits and Vegetables to Buy Organic.

Alternatives

Choose least-toxic pest control methods, such as Integrated Pest Management, for your home, garden, lawn and shrubs. See Pest Control Without Pesticides. IPM strategies include preventive measures such as sealing leaks and cracks, fixing window screens, and reducing clutter in the home. In the garden, use beneficial insects and homemade insect repellents made of garlic or chilies.