WHO Guideline Value for Atrazine in Drinking Water

In 2011 WHO raised its limit for atrazine in drinking water 50-fold, from 2 to 100 micrograms of atrazine per litre of water (μg/l) (WHO 2011a), as a result of an evaluation by the Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) in 2007.

However, the evaluation performed by JMPR is outdated, insufficiently protective, and neglected evidence of toxicity that existed even at the time it was conducted, as documented in the report. This current guideline value of 100 μg/l needs to be revised because of substantial scientific evidence documenting the potential for serious adverse effects on human health, including endocrine and reproductive effects and potential cancer risks.

Further reading:

• Highly hazardous profits
• Joint letter to the WHO