Diazinon: Threat to Public Health

Diazinon originates from nerve gases the Nazis developed during World War II. People exposed to diazinon can suffer muscle spasms and seizures. Severe exposures can cause coma and death. Exposure is also associated with damage to the liver and pancreas, diabetes, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Case Overview

Diazinon is a dangerous organophosphate pesticide that poisons farmworkers, children, bystanders, fish, birds, and wildlife. EPA found health risks for diazinon, yet approved its continued use without requiring mitigation to reduce those risks and without ensuring that there are no unreasonable adverse effects, as required by federal pesticide law. This is especially true for impacts to children and agricultural communities from drift and run-off. EPA also failed to initiate or complete consultation on the impacts of diazinon to threatened and endangered species. 


Earthjustice has filed suit to compel EPA to follow the law and reassess the threats this pesticide poses to the public and the environment.

Case Updates

August 13, 2008 Press Release

Fisheries Service Finds Three Pesticides Imperil West Coast Salmon

Findings illustrate danger of Bush proposal to dump Endangered Species Act

July 28, 2008 Press Release

EPA Under Fire for Flawed Pesticide Decisions on Diazinon

Coalition sues EPA for failing to protect farmworkers, children, and wildlife

July 28, 2008 Document

Diazinon complaint (07/28/08)

Laswuit asking EPA to protect farmworkers, children, and wildlife from the pesticide diazinon.