Dichloroethyl ether

Synonyms

2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether; Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether; 2,2`-Dichloroethyl ether; 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether; [NIOSH] UN1916

Category

Halogenated Ethers

Description

Colorless liquid with a chlorinated solvent-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent, dewaxing agent, wetting agent, soil fumigant, and chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] Used to control earworms on corn silks; No longer used as a soil fumigant; [HSDB]

Comments

Damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain occur in studies of guinea pigs and rats at 500 ppm for 5 to 8 hours. Volunteers found exposures above 550 ppm intolerable because of nauseating odor and irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. [ACGIH] The vapor can cause lacrimation.[HSDB] A severe eye irritant; [CHEMINFO] "Some animal studies indicate that bis(2-chloroethyl) ether can affect the nervous system resulting in sluggish and slow movement, staggering, unconsciousness, and death." [ATSDR - ToxFAQs]

Biomedical References

Yes

5 ppm

10 ppm

Ceiling(OSHA) = 15 ppm

0.5 ppm

100 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the statements by Patty [1963] that 250 ppm caused death in rats from a 4­hour exposure [Carpenter et al. 1949] and that 500 to 1000 ppm might cause death in guinea pigs from an exposure of only 30 to 60 minutes duration [Schrenk et al. 1933]. . . . Human data: Volunteers found brief (undefined) exposures to 100 to 260 ppm to be tolerable, although irritating [Schrenk et al. 1933].

1.55 mm Hg

0.049 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 330 mg/m3/4H

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; VP from HSDB;

high ambient temp required

Yes

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Not classifiable

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Fumigants, acute toxic effect
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)