Water: Diazinon
Science & TechnologySurface Water Standards & GuidanceWater Quality StandardsWater Quality CriteriaAquatic LifeDiazinonAquatic Life Criteria for Diazinon Final CriteriaAquatic Life Criteria for Diazinon Final Criteria
Fact Sheet; February 2006; EPA-822-F-05-001
The final recommended aquatic life ambient water quality criteria document for diazinon contains acute and chronic criteria recommendations designed to protect aquatic life in both freshwater and saltwater. While these criteria recommendations do not, in themselves, impose any requirements, states and authorized tribes can use them to develop water quality standards.
- What is diazinon?
- Why is EPA publishing the final criteria?
- Final concentrations
- Final diazinon document
- Federal Register Notice (February 23, 2006)
What is diazinon?
Diazinon is a pesticide traditionally used throughout the U.S. to control insects in agricultural areas, households and urban settings. After December 31, 2004, it became unlawful to sell diazinon for outdoor, non-agricultural uses in the United States (that is, all residential uses of the insecticide diazinon have been cancelled). However, it is lawful to use diazinon for non-residential or agricultural uses that are consistent with product labeling and precautions approved by EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
Diazinon is mobile and moderately persistent in the environment. Diazinon is frequently found in wastewater treatment plant effluent and storm water runoff in urban and agricultural areas. Diazinon is known to be toxic to aquatic life, particularly invertebrates.
Why is EPA publishing the final criteria?
On December 31, 2003, the Agency published a Federal Register notice soliciting scientific views on draft aquatic life criteria for diazinon (68 FR 75555). Based on the information we received, EPA revised the draft criteria and is now publishing the final recommended aquatic life ambient water quality criteria for diazinon.
What are the final diazinon ambient water quality criteria concentrations?
Freshwater Aquatic Life
Freshwater aquatic life should not be affected if the one-hour average concentration of diazinon does not exceed 0.17 micrograms per liter more than once every three years on the average (acute criterion) and if the four-day average concentration of diazinon does not exceed 0.17 micrograms per liter more than once every three years on the average (chronic criterion).
Saltwater Aquatic Life
Saltwater aquatic life should not be affected if the one-hour average concentration of diazinon does not exceed 0.82 micrograms per liter more than once every three years on the average (acute criterion) and if the four-day average concentration of diazinon does not exceed 0.82 micrograms per liter more than once every three years on the average (chronic criterion).
How do I get a copy of the final diazinon document?
You can get copies of Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Diazinon - Final (PDF) (85 pp., 344 K; EPA-822-F-05-006; About PDF) from EPA's Water Resource Center by calling (202) 566-1729. You can request a copy by sending an email (center.water-resource@epa.gov) or conventional mail to EPA Water Resource Center, 4101T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460.