Topic summary

Atrazine

Atrazine

Atrazine ( ) is a chlorinatedherbicide of the triazine class. It is used to prevent pre-emergence broadleaf weeds in crops such as maize (corn), soybean and sugarcane, and also in turf landscaping, such as golf courses and residential lawns. Its use significantly increases crop yields. Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, but has been banned in other countries including in the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In general, use of this herbicide is controversial and often highly regulated.

As of 2001, atrazine was the most common pesticide found in drinking water samples collected in the U.S.