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Consumer Factsheet on: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE
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 EDB and how is it used?
Ethylene dibromide (EDB) is a colorless, heavy organic liquid with a mildly sweet chloroform-like
odor. Ethylene dibromide is mainly used in anti-knock gasoline mixtures, particularly in aviation
fuel. Other uses include: as a solvent for resins, gums, and waxes; in waterproofing preparations;
in making dyes and drugs; and as a pesticide for grains and fruit.
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:
EDB
Glycol dibromide
Bromofume
Dowfume W 85
Aadibroom
Iscobrome-D
Nefis
Pestmaster
EDB-85
Soilbrom
Soilfume
Kopfume
Why is EDB 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 EDB has been set at zero 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 0.05 parts per billion (ppb) 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 EDB to potentially cause the following health effects when people are
exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: damage to the liver,
stomach, and adrenal glands, along with significant reproductive system toxicity, particularly the
testes.
Long-term: EDB has the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels
above the MCL: damage to the respiratory system, nervous system, liver, heart, and kidneys;
cancer.
How much EDB is produced and released to the environment?
EDB is released during the use, storage, and transport of leaded gasoline, as well as during any
spills; from its former use as a pesticide; wastewater and emissions from processes and waste
waters of the chemical industries that use it.
From 1987 to 1993, according to the Toxics Release Inventory EDB releases to land and water
totalled over 3,000 lbs. These releases were primarily from petroleum refineries. The largest of
these releases occurred in California and Missouri.
What happens to EDB when it is released to the environment?
When spilled on land or applied to land during soil fumigation, ethylene dibromide may leach to
groundwater. Its persistence can vary greatly from soil to soil, from a few weeks to as much as 19
years.
EDB released to water will mainly evaporate. It can be degraded by microbes and chemical
reaction in some types of groundwater. It does not tend to accumulate in aquatic life.
How will EDB be Detected in and Removed from My Drinking Water?
Yhe regulation for EDB became effective in 1992. 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 EDB is present above 0.01 ppb. 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 EDB so that it is consistently below that level. The following
treatment methods have been approved by EPA for removing EDB: Granular activated charcoal.
How will I know if EDB is in my drinking water?
If the levels of EDB exceed the MCL, 0.05 ppb, 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: zeroMcl: 0.05 ppb
EDB Releases to Water and Land, 1987 to 1993 (in pounds):
|
Water |
Land |
TOTALS (in pounds) |
2,554 |
2,670 |
Top Six States |
CA |
500 |
|
MS |
500 |
|
HI |
750 |
|
NJ |
700 |
|
TX |
466 |
|
PR |
500 |
|
Top Industrial Sources |
Petroleum refining |
1,716
|
Industrial organic |
700
|
chemicals, fertilizers |
|
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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