Atrazine is a herbicide used to control broad-leaved weeds and grasses. It has selective, systemic action with residual and foliar activity. It has a low aqueous solubility, it is volatile and, based on its physico-chemical properties there is some concern that it could leach to groundwater. It is generally not persistent in the field nor in aquatic systems. It is moderately toxic to mammals, is not expected to bioaccumulate and is a skin, eye and respiratory system irritant. Atrazine is moderately toxic to most aquatic life, earthworms and honeybees but presents less of a risk to birds.
Data alerts
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.
Environmental fate
Ecotoxicity
Human health
Environmental fate Moderate alert: GUS: Transition state; Drainflow: Moderately mobile; Potential for particle bound transport: Medium
OSPAR soc; WFD priority substance; Potential groundwater contaminant; Chemical subject to PIC regulations; PAN Bad Actor Chemical
Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards
EU Directive 2008/105/EC EQS surface waters: annual average 0.6 µg l⁻¹; max measured 2.0 µg l⁻¹ UK statutory standard for protection of aquatic life for inland, coastal and territory surface waters 2.0 µg l⁻¹
Herbicide Resistance Classification (HRAC)
C1
Herbicide Resistance Classification (WSSA)
5
Insecticide Resistance Classification (IRAC)
Not applicable
Fungicide Resistance Classification (FRAC)
Not applicable
Examples of recorded resistance
Many recorded cases, Alopecurus myosuroides, Alopecurus myosuroides, Amaranthus retroflexus, Conyza canadensis, Abutilon theophrasti
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
EU 1998
-
Dermal penetration studies (%)
10
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
EU 1998
-
Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464
-
-
-
Exposure Routes
Public
-
Occupational
May be absorbed from the lungs or through intact skin
MRLs
European
EU MRL pesticide database
Great Britain
GB MRL Register
Notes
-
Drinking Water Standards
Non-statutory WHO drinking water guideline 0.002 mg l⁻¹
B5 B = UK CRD and ACP evaluation documents / and other Defra (UK) documents (click here ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
UK EA QS database 2018
-
Drinking Water MAC (μg l⁻¹)
-
-
-
Mammalian dose elimination route and rate
In rats, after 72hrs ~65% excreted in urine and remainder retained by liver, kidneys and lungs
G3 G = Extension Toxicology network database EXTOXNET (click here ) 3 = Unverified data of known source
-
Health issues
Specific human health issues
Carcinogen
Genotoxic
Endocrine disruptor
Possiblle
A3 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 3 = Negative
;
B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data
;
C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data
;
D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data
;
E3 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 3 = Negative
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
Reproduction / development effects
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor
Neurotoxicant
?Possibly, status not identified
XNo, known not to cause a problem
?Possibly, status not identified
Respiratory tract irritant
Skin irritant
Skin sensitiser
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
?Possibly, status not identified
Eye irritant
Phototoxicant
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
No data found
General human health issues
IARC Group 3 carcinogen; Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program listed carcinogen May cause coma, circulatory collapse and gastric bleeding May cause renal failure May disturb testosterone metabolism Endocrine issues - Androgen inhibition, weak estrogenic effect
Handling issues
Property
Value and interpretation
General
Avoid the formation of dust Powders may become explosive under certain conditions Store away from heat, flames and sparks Not expected to autoignite
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242
Environmental fate
Human health
