Agent Name |
Ethylene dichloride |
Alternative Name |
1,2-Dichloroethane |
CAS Number |
107-06-2 |
Formula |
C2-H4-Cl2 |
Major Category |
Solvents |
Synonyms |
Ethylene chloride; Glycol dichloride; 1,2-Dichloroethane; [NIOSH] |
Category |
Chlorinated Aliphatic |
Description |
Colorless liquid with a pleasant, chloroform-like odor. [Note: Decomposes slowly, becomes acidic & darkens in color.] [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used in organic synthesis; used in the past as a solvent, degreaser, paint remover, and fumigant; [ACGIH] Has been used as a dry cleaning agent and solvent for degreasing, resins, adhesives, coasmetics, and pharmaceuticals; [HSDB] |
Comments |
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Can cause nausea and vomiting, narcosis, liver and kidney injury, and death after high inhalation exposure; [ACGIH] |
Restricted |
Use as fumigant suspended by EPA due to toxicity. [Sullivan, p. 1053] |
Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - 1,2-Dichloroethane |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
10 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
50 ppm, Ceiling(OSHA) = 100 ppm (200 ppm for 5-min peak in any 3 hrs) |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
50 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
The chosen IDLH is based on the maximum time�concentration in air of 1,000 ppm which was survived by female rats for 1.5 hours. |
Vapor Pressure |
64 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
6 ppm |
Odor Threshold High |
111 ppm |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 1,000 ppm/7 hr |
Explanatory Notes |
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 26 ppm); |
Half Life |
Whole body (animal studies): complete elimination within 48 hours; [TDR, p. 649] |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
Adverse Effects |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Primary |
Nephrotoxin |
Yes |
IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: 1,2-DICHLOROETHANE
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