PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

This Public Health Statement is the summary chapter from the Toxicological Profile for Diazinon. It is 

one in a series of Public Health Statements about hazardous substances and their health effects. A shorter 

version, the ToxFAQsTM, is also available. This information is important because this substance may 

harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you 

are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. For more information, 

call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. 

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

This public health statement tells you about diazinon and the effects of exposure to it. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies the most serious hazardous waste sites in the 

nation. These sites are then placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) and are targeted for long-term 

federal clean-up activities. Diazinon has been found in at least 25 of the 1,699 current or former NPL 

sites. Although the total number of NPL sites evaluated for this substance is not known, the possibility 

exists that the number of sites at which diazinon is found may increase in the future as more sites are 

evaluated. This information is important because these sites may be sources of exposure and exposure to 

this substance may be harmful. 

When a substance is released either from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a container, 

such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment. Such a release does not always lead to exposure. You 

can be exposed to a substance only when you come in contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing, 

eating, or drinking the substance, or by skin contact. 

If you are exposed to diazinon, many factors will determine whether you will be harmed. These factors 

include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), and how you come in contact with it. You must 

also consider any other chemicals you are exposed to and your age, sex, diet, family traits, lifestyle, and 

state of health. 
 PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

1.1 WHAT IS DIAZINON? 

Description Diazinon does not occur naturally in the environment. 

The pure chemical is an oil that is colorless and practically odorless. 

Commercial diazinon is a pale to dark brown liquid. 

Uses 

• Pesticide uses Diazinon is the common name of an organophosphorus insecticide used to 

control pest insects in soil, on ornamental plants, and on fruit and vegetable 

field crops. 

Diazinon is sold under common trade names including Alfatox, Basudin, 

AG 500, Dazzel, Gardentox, and Knoxout. 

1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO DIAZINON WHEN IT ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT? 

Sources Diazinon may enter the environment from agricultural and household 

application of the chemical to control insects. 

After diazinon has been applied, it may be present in the soil, surface waters 

(such as rivers and ponds), and on the surface of plants. 

How diazinon 

breaks down 

• Air 

• Water and 

soil 

• Plants and 

animals 

Diazinon is rapidly broken down to a number of different compounds. 

Diazinon is quickly broken down in a few hours to 2 weeks. 

Diazinon is rapidly broken down by most animals that eat it and is not likely to 

build up to high or dangerous levels in animals or plants that you might eat. 

1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO DIAZINON? 

Food-primary 

source of 

exposure 

Small amounts of diazinon have been detected in foods sold to consumers, 

but studies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have found that 

the levels in food are far below the level that might cause any harmful health 

effects. 
 PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

Air You may be exposed to diazinon in air in agricultural areas where diazinon is 

extensively used or in urban areas where it is applied to lawns and gardens. 

Drinking water You may be exposed to diazinon by drinking contaminated water. 

Recently sprayed 

plants 

You may be exposed to diazinon by touching diazinon-treated plant 

materials such as grass clippings. 

Workplace People who work in the manufacture and professional application of diazinon 

have the most significant exposure to this insecticide. 

Consumer 

products 

Although diazinon was formerly used as the active ingredient in home and 

garden pest control products, sale of these home and garden products in the 

United States was stopped in 2004. However, previously purchased 

diazinon-containing home and garden products may still be in use and 

present the potential for exposure. 

1.4 HOW CAN DIAZINON ENTER AND LEAVE MY BODY? 

Enter your body 

 • Inhalation 

 • Ingestion 

 • Dermal contact 

If you breathe air containing diazinon, you may absorb it into your body 

through your lungs. 

Diazinon in food or water may also rapidly enter your body through the 

digestive tract. 

Diazinon may enter your body across the skin. 

Leave your body Once in the body, diazinon is rapidly broken down and eliminated from the 

body mainly in the urine. Diazinon has not been shown to accumulate in 

any tissues and most of the chemical is eliminated from the body within 

12 days. 
 PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

1.5 HOW CAN DIAZINON AFFECT MY HEALTH? 

This section looks at studies concerning potential health effects in animal and human studies. 

Human exposure 

• High exposure 

• Very high 

exposure 

Short exposures to high levels of diazinon can affect the nervous system. 

Symptoms include: 

 • headache, dizziness, weakness 

 • feelings of anxiety 

 • constriction of the pupils of the eye 

 • not being able to see clearly 

Exposures to very high levels can cause more severe symptoms including: 

 • nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea 

 • slow pulse 

 • pinpoint pupils 

 • difficulty breathing 

 • passing out (coma) 

Signs or symptoms of nervous system damage may occur within 30–

60 minutes. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical 

attention immediately. Emergency rooms have drugs that stop the harmful 

effects of diazinon. 

Long-term 

exposure to low 

levels 

There is no evidence that long-term exposure to low levels of diazinon 

causes any harmful health effects in people. 

Cancer Diazinon has not been shown to cause cancer in people or animals. The 

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not classified 

diazinon for carcinogenicity. EPA classified diazinon as a Group E 

chemical (evidence of noncarcinogenicity for humans). 
 PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

1.6 HOW CAN DIAZINON AFFECT CHILDREN? 

This section discusses potential health effects in humans from exposures during the period from 

conception to maturity at 18 years of age. 

Effects in 

children 

It is likely that children would have the same health effects as adults. We do 

not know whether children would be more sensitive than adults to the effects of 

diazinon. 

One study found neurological and bone effects in young children living in a 

house were diazinon was misused to control a flea infestation. 

Birth defects There is no evidence that environmental exposure to diazinon causes birth 

defects or other developmental effects in people. 

In animals, levels of exposure to diazinon high enough to affect the health of 

pregnant mothers caused developmental effects in their newborn babies. 

Breast milk Animal studies have shown that diazinon and/or its breakdown products can be 

transferred from a pregnant mother to a developing fetus, but no human data 

were located regarding the transfer of diazinon from the mother to the fetus or 

nursing infant. 

1.7 HOW CAN FAMILIES REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPOSURE TO DIAZINON? 

Cautions for 

those who live 

in agricultural 

areas 

People who live near agricultural areas where diazinon is still used should stay 

away from the area that has been treated. Diazinon can be dispersed some 

distance from a spray zone by air currents and runoff water. 

If you are aware that diazinon is being sprayed in the vicinity, you may want to 

go indoors or leave the area for a short time. 

Agricultural workers who have come into contact with relatively large amounts 

of diazinon at work may need to remove and wash contaminated clothing 

before coming into contact with other family members. 

Wash fruits 

and vegetables 

To reduce the risk of exposure to diazinon residue on fresh fruits or vegetables, 

wash the foods prior to eating them. 
 PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

Properly use 

insect sprays 

Occasionally, diazinon may be improperly sprayed inside the home to kill 

insects. Make sure that any person who treats your home with pesticides is 

properly certified. Ask what chemical or chemicals are being used. Diazinon is 

a “restricted use” chemical and is no longer registered for residential indoor or 

garden use. 

1.8 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED 

TO DIAZINON? 

Measuring effects Most of the signs and symptoms resulting from diazinon poisoning are due 

to the inhibition of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase in the nervous 

system. This enzyme is also found in your red blood cells and a similar 

enzyme (plasma cholinesterase) is found in blood plasma. The most 

common test for exposure to many organophosphorus insecticides, 

including diazinon, is to determine the level of cholinesterase activity in the 

red blood cells or plasma. 

It takes time for this enzyme to completely recover to normal levels following 

exposure. Therefore, a valid test may be conducted a number of days 

following the suspected exposure. This test indicates only exposure to an 

insecticide of this type. It does not specifically show exposure to diazinon. 

Detecting 

exposure 

Specific tests are available to determine the presence of diazinon or its 

breakdown products in blood, body tissue, and urine. These tests are only 

useful if done within a few hours or days of exposure. This is because 

diazinon is rapidly broken down and excreted from the body. 

1.9 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO 

PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH? 

The federal government develops regulations and recommendations to protect public health. Regulations 

can be enforced by law. The EPA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are some federal agencies that develop regulations for toxic 

substances. Recommendations provide valuable guidelines to protect public health, but cannot be 

enforced by law. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are two federal organizations that develop 

recommendations for toxic substances. 
 PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

Regulations and recommendations can be expressed as “not-to-exceed” levels, that is, levels of a toxic 

substance in air, water, soil, or food that do not exceed a critical value that is usually based on levels that 

affect animals; they are then adjusted to levels that will help protect humans. Sometimes these not-toexceed levels differ among federal organizations because they used different exposure times (an 8-hour 

workday or a 24-hour day), different animal studies, or other factors. 

Recommendations and regulations are also updated periodically as more information becomes available. 

For the most current information, check with the federal agency or organization that provides it. 

Some regulations and recommendations for diazinon include the following: 

Drinking water The EPA has determined that exposure to diazinon in drinking water at a 

concentration of 20 micrograms per liter (μg/L) for up to 10 days is not 

expected to cause any harmful effects in a child. 

The EPA has determined that lifetime exposure to 1 μg/L diazinon in 

drinking water is not expected to cause any harmful effects. 

Food The EPA has also set tolerances for residues of diazinon in various raw food 

products of 0.1–40 parts of diazinon per million parts of food (ppm). 

1.10 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? 

If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or 

environmental quality department, or contact ATSDR at the address and phone number below. 

ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics 

specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses that result from exposure to hazardous 

substances. 
 PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

 Diazinon CAS # 333-41-5 

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine September 2008

______________________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Telephone: 1-800-232-4636 Fax: 770-488-4178 E-Mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov 

Toxicological profiles are also available on-line at www.atsdr.cdc.gov and on CD-ROM. You may 

request a copy of the ATSDR ToxProfilesTM CD-ROM by calling the toll-free information and technical 

assistance number at 1-800-CDCINFO (1-800-232-4636), by e-mail at cdcinfo@cdc.gov, or by writing 

to: 

 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

 Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine 

 1600 Clifton Road NE 

 Mailstop F-32 

 Atlanta, GA 30333 

 Fax: 1-770-488-4178 

Organizations for-profit may request copies of final Toxicological Profiles from the following: 

 National Technical Information Service (NTIS) 

 5285 Port Royal Road 

 Springfield, VA 22161 

 Phone: 1-800-553-6847 or 1-703-605-6000 

 Web site: http://www.ntis.gov/