Overview
Diquat is a herbicide used on potato crops and aquatic weeds.
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 6 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 6 ppb for diquat was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cataracts.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL): 20 ppb
The legal limit for diquat, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals conducted in the 1980s.
ppb = parts per billion
National Standard Exists
Health Concerns:
Change to fetal growth and development
Change in body weight
Harm to the kidney
Cataracts