Ethylene dichloride

Synonyms

Ethylene chloride; Glycol dichloride; 1,2-Dichloroethane; [NIOSH]

Category

Chlorinated Aliphatics

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, cosmetics, 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]

Use as fumigant suspended by EPA due to toxicity. [Sullivan, p. 1053]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

10 ppm

50 ppm, Ceiling(OSHA) = 100 ppm (200 ppm for 5-min peak in any 3 hrs)

50 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

The chosen IDLH is based on the maximum time­concentration in air of 1,000 ppm which was survived by female rats for 1.5 hours.

78.9 mm Hg

6 ppm

Odor Threshold High

111 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 1,000 ppm/7 hr

Explanatory Notes

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 26 ppm); VP from HSDB;

Whole body (animal studies): complete elimination within 48 hours; [TDR, p. 649]

Reference Link #2

may ignite at ambient temp

50 ppm

200 ppm

300 ppm

Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin (principal effect)

Yes

Skin burns

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Fumigants, acute toxic effect
• Hepatitis, chemical
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Metal Degreasing
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing
• Working with Glues and Adhesives