Is Diazinon safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants are acutely vulnerable to Diazinon due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What is diazinon?
The IUPAC name is diethoxy-(6-methyl-2-propan-2-ylpyrimidin-4-yl)oxy-sulfanylidene-lambda5-phosphane.
Also known as: diethoxy-(6-methyl-2-propan-2-ylpyrimidin-4-yl)oxy-sulfanylidene-lambda5-phosphane, Dimpylate, Oleodiazinon, Neocidol.
- IUPAC name
- diethoxy-(6-methyl-2-propan-2-ylpyrimidin-4-yl)oxy-sulfanylidene-lambda5-phosphane
- CAS number
- 333-41-5
- Molecular formula
- C12H21N2O3PS
- Molecular weight
- 304.35 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCOP(=S)(OCC)OC1=NC(=NC(=C1)C)C(C)C
- PubChem CID
- 3017
Risk for babies
High riskInfants are acutely vulnerable to Diazinon due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Elevated riskPrenatal exposure to Diazinon is associated with neurodevelopmental effects. Organophosphate/carbamate insecticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which plays a role in fetal brain development.
Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.
Regulatory consensus
8 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Diazinon. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 2015 | Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) | IARC Monograph 112 (2015), same volume as malathion. Limited evidence in humans for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer; sufficient evidence in experimental animals. EPA banned residential uses in the US effective 2004 due to bird and wildlife kills; agricultural use continues. |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 2A - Probably carcinogenic to humans | |
| EPA CTX / EPA OPP | — | Not Likely to Be Carcinogenic in Humans | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 2 positive / 6 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 2 positive / 6 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Not classified (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Not classified (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Sensitization: Category 1 (score: high) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter diazinon
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Diazinon:
-
Physical/mechanical pest control (IPM)
Trade-offs: More labor-intensive. May not be sufficient for severe infestations.Relative cost: Variable; lower long-term
Frequently asked questions
Is diazinon safe for kids?
Infants are acutely vulnerable to Diazinon due to immature acetylcholinesterase regulation, higher dermal absorption per unit body weight, and frequent floor-level exposure to residues.
What products contain diazinon?
Diazinon appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to diazinon?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about diazinon?
Diazinon has been classified by 8 agencies including IARC, EPA CTX / IARC, EPA CTX / EPA OPP, EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Genetox, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See Diazinon in the baby app
Look up products containing diazinon, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- IARC Monographs Volume 112: Malathion and Diazinon (2015) — regulatory
- US EPA Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Diazinon (2004) — regulatory
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Organophosphate and Carbamate Toxicosis in Companion Animals (2018) — report
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →