Consumer Factsheet on: OXAMYL (VYDATE)
List of Contaminants
As part of the Drinking Water and Health pages, this fact sheet is part of a larger publication: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public or private drinking water
supplies. It may cause health problems if found in amounts greater than the health standard set by
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is Oxamyl and how is it used?
Oxamyl is a white crystalline organic solid with a slight sulfurous odor. It is widely used for
control of insects, mites and nematodes on field crops, fruits and ornamentals. The majority of
oxamyl is applied to apples, potatoes, and tomatoes.
The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using this chemical at
home or work.
Trade Names and Synonyms:
Vydate K
Thioxamyl
Dioxamyl
DPX 1410
Dupont 1410
Why is Oxamyl being Regulated?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA to determine safe
levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause health problems. These
non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum
Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for oxamyl has been set at 0.2 parts per million (ppm) because EPA believes this level
of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described below.
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level
(MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible, considering the ability of public water
systems to detect and remove contaminants using suitable treatment technologies.
The MCL has been set at 0.2 ppm because EPA believes, given present technology and resources,
this is the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to remove this
contaminant should it occur in drinking water.
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these standards are met, are
called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must abide by
these regulations.
What are the Health Effects?
Short-term: EPA has found oxamyl to potentially cause the following health effects when people
are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: tremors, salivation
and tearing due to interference with nerve function.
Long-term: Oxamyl has the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at
levels above the MCL: decreased body weight.
How much Oxamyl is produced and released to the environment?
Oxamyl is released directly to the environment in its use as an insecticide and during its
manufacture, handling and storage. EPA estimated that 400,000 lbs. of oxamyl were produced in
the US in 1982.
What happens to Oxamyl when it is released to the environment?
Oxamyl is highly soluble in water, and is relatively stable in acidic waters. Otherwise it is readily
broken down. Degradation is also rapid in soils which makes it unlikely that oxamyl will leach
to ground water. Accumulation in aquatic life is not expected as oxamyl is rapidly absorbed,
metabolized and eliminated in toxicological tests.
How will Oxamyl be Detected in and Removed from My Drinking Water?
The regulation for oxamyl became effective in 1994. Between 1993 and 1995, EPA required your
water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months for one year and analyze them to find out
if oxamyl is present above 2 parts per billion. If it is present above this level, the system must
continue to monitor this contaminant.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water supplier must take
steps to reduce the amount of oxamyl so that it is consistently below that level. The following
treatment methods have been approved by EPA for removing oxamyl: Granular activated
charcoal.
How will I know if Oxamyl is in my drinking water?
If the levels of oxamyl exceed the MCL, 0.2 ppm, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing alternative
drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to public health.
Drinking Water Standards:
Mclg: 0.2 ppmMcl: 0.2 ppm
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to learn more about their drinking water, and to support local
efforts to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking water. Your water bill or telephone
book's government listings are a good starting point.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the chemicals they test for in your water, as well
as how your water is treated.
Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a valuable source of information.
For help in locating these agencies or for information on drinking water in general, call: EPA's
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
For additional information on the uses and releases of chemicals in your state, contact the:
Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 424-9346
List of Contaminants
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