1,2-dichloroethylene

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P273, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H332 (100%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H412 (100%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 41 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P319, P321, P330, P337+P317, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P330, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Wash skin with soap and water.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water may be ineffective.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide (USCG, 1999)

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Use flooding quantities of water to blanket the fire. Water may be ineffective. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Fight fire from protected location or maximum possible distance.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. ... Closed containers may rupture violently when heated.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

Large Spill

· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible / Noxious); polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.

Spill or leak procedures: Eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use appropriate foam to blanket release and suppress vapors. Absorb in noncombustible material for proper disposal.

Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep this chemical out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion ... . It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. ...

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U079, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. Also, a potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids. Also a potential candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. /Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for 1,2-Dichloroethylene (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.

Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Use explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.

Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for 1,2-Dichloroethylene (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible / Noxious); polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Well closed. See Chemical Dangers.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Air, light, and moisture sensitive.

Store in a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials. Prior to working with 1,2-DCE you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering a confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. 1,2-Dichloroethylene must be stored to avoid contact with strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine) since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 1,2-dichloroethylene is used, handled, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of 1,2-dichloroethylene should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of 1,2-dichloroethylene. Wherever 1,2-dichloroethylene is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from air, light, heat, strong oxidizing materials.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

200.0 [ppm]

140 [ppm]

500 [ppm]

850 [ppm]

200 ppm (790 mg/m³)

TWA 200 ppm (790 mg/m3)

1000 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

1000.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: Patty [1963] reported that rats exposed to the cis­isomer of dichloroethylene for 4 hours at 8,000 ppm were neither killed nor anesthetized, but at 16,000 ppm, anesthesia occurred in 8 minutes and death occurred in 4 hours [Smyth 1956]. Because Patty [1963] also reported that the trans­isomer was twice as toxic an anesthetic as the cis­isomer, an IDLH of 4,000 ppm is chosen. . . . Human data: It has been reported that exposure to the trans­isomer at 2,200 ppm caused burning of the eyes, vertigo, and nausea [von Oettingen 1955]. An exposure to the trans­isomer at 819 ppm for 30 minutes has been reported to cause no untoward effects, while inhalation of either 1,687 to 2,184 ppm for 5 minutes or 1,191 ppm for 10 minutes has resulted in vertigo, pressure in the head, and somnolence [von Oettingen 1937].

1000 ppm

See: 540590

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 200 ppm.

Peak Exposure Recommendation: Transient increases in workers' exposure levels may exceed 3 times the value of the TLV-TWA level for no more than 15 minutes at a time, on no more than 4 occasions spaced 1 hour apart during a workday, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the value of the TLV-TWA level. In addition, the 8-hour TWA is not to be exceeded for an 8-hour work period.

200 ppm as TWA.

800 mg/m

Acute Inhalation: 0.2 ppm (Rat) (L585)

Acute Oral: 1 mg/kg/day (Rat) (L585)

Intermediate Oral: 0.3 mg/kg/day (L585)

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

A harmful contamination of the air will be reached quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C; on spraying or dispersing, however, much faster.

The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system at high levels. This may result in lowering of consciousness.

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the liver.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for 1,2-Dichloroethylene:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)

1,2-dichloroethylene, (mixed isomers) appears as a clear colorless liquid with ether-like odor. Mixture of cis and trans isomers. Flashpoint 36 - 43 °F. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.

Colorless liquid (usually a mixture of the cis & trans isomers) with a slightly acrid, chloroform-like odor; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colorless liquid (usually a mixture of the cis & trans isomers) with a slightly acrid, chloroform-like odor.

Colorless liquid (usually a mixture of the cis- and trans-isomers) ...

Mobile liquid

Ethereal, slightly acrid

Pleasant

Sweet, slightly irritating chloroform-like odor

... Slightly acrid, chloroform-like odor

118 to 140 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

118-140 °F

55 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-71 °F (NTP, 1992)

-57 to -115 °F

39 °F (NTP, 1992)

6 °C (43 °F) - closed cup

36 °F (2 °C) - closed cup

2 °C c.c.

36-39 °F

less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

In water, 3.50X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C

Insoluble in water

Soluble in alcohol, ether, and most other organic solvents

Soluble in most organic solvents

Solubility in water: poor

1.27 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

Approximately 1.28

Relative density (water = 1): 1.28

~1.28 No temp

(77 °F): 1.27

3.34 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

3.4 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.34

180 to 265 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

201.0 [mmHg]

2.01X10+2 mm Hg at 25 °C

180-265 mmHg

log Kow = 1.86

Henry's Law constant = 4.08X10-3 atm-cu m/mol at 25 °C

Highly flammable. This compound is sensitive to air, light and moisture. Heat contributes to instability. Insoluble in water.

Halogenated Organic Compounds

Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Unsaturated

Highly Flammable

Polymerizable

1,2-DICHLOROETHYLENE reacts violently with sodium, sodium hydroxide, copper and copper alloys. It can react with caustic alkynes or their concentrated solutions. It forms explosive mixtures with N2O4. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers. It is corrosive to metals. It attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992)

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, oxidizing agents, bases.

... Extremely corrosive.

Forms explosive mixture with air. Keep away from strong oxidizers. ... Reacts with strong oxidizers, strong bases, potassium hydroxide, difluoromethylene, dihypofluoride, nitrogen tetroxide (explosive) or copper (and its alloys) producing toxic chloroacetylene which is spontaneously flammable on contact with air. Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings.

Addition of a hot liquid to the cold solvent caused sudden emission of sufficient vapor to cause a flame to flash back 12 m from a fire. Although the bulk of the solvent did not ignite, various items of paper and wood in the room were ignited by the transient flame.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for 1,2-Dichloroethylene (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Strong oxidizers, strong alkalis, potassium hydroxide, copper [Note: Usually contains inhibitors to prevent polymerization.]

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 1,2-Dichloroethylene (DCE) is a colorless mobile liquid. It is used as a refrigerant, in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and artificial pearls, and in the extraction of oils and fats from fish and meat. It is also a solvent for fats, phenol, camphor, and an intermediate in synthesis of chlorinated solvents and compounds. HUMAN STUDIES: Clinical effects caused by acute exposure to DCE include central nervous system and respiratory depression, eye and upper respiratory irritation, nausea, vomiting, weakness, tremors, and epigastric cramps, all of which may resolve rapidly after the exposure ceases. The investigation of workers exposed to DCE indicated that prematurities among exposed female workers and wives of exposed male workers were higher than that of control groups. The DNA breakage capacity and the cytotoxicity of DCE was assessed in the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis test (comet assay) with and without metabolic activation in isolated human lymphocytes. DCE induced DNA breakage, in the presence or absence of the metabolic activation system. ANIMAL STUDIES: Some but not all dogs experienced CNS depression by inhaling the DCE vapor and have developed delicate superficial corneal turbidity. A subchronic inhalation study was conducted in which rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and beagle dogs were exposed to 0, 500, or 1,000 ppm (0, 1,980, or 3,960 mg/cu m) DCE mixture (58% cis-, 42% trans- isomer), 7 hours/day for 6 months. No significant toxicity was found. Behavioral changes have been observed in mice exposed for 4 hr to DCE. The reported changes consisted of a dose-related decrease in the duration of immobility in the "behavioral despair" swimming test. A 45% decrease in the total duration of immobility occurred at a concentration of 1,720 ppm. Gonadotoxicity and embryotoxicity were found in rodents exposed to concentration of DCE at 24.8 mg/cu m. DCE could reach the fetus through the placenta. Cis,trans-DCE was found to be negative when tested for mutagenicity using the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay in as many as 5 Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA1535, TA1537, TA97, TA98, and TA100) in the presence and absence of metabolic activation.

Trans-1,2-dichloroethene is a volatile, lipophilic molecule that easily moves through the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. It has a high affinity for lipids and blood, but little accumulation in tissues. 1,2-Dichloroethene isomers inhibit liver enzymes involved in metabolism and may increase the “toxic” response to other chemicals. Reactive metabolites of trans-1,2-dichloroethene modify the heme moiety of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450, resulting in a loss of both cytochrome P-450 and heme. Trans-1,2-dichloroethene can also mixed-function oxidase activities. Metabolism of trans-1,2-dichloroethene can lead to dose-related decrease in the levels of serum glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). (L585)

No indication of carcinogenicity (not listed by IARC). (L135)

Breathing trans-1,2-DCE can cause sever liver and kidney damages, pulmonary capillary hyperemia, as well as alveolar septal distention; depression of the central nervous sustem can occur; moderate iritis and conjunctivitis can follow eye exposure; dermatitis and irritation of mucous membranes can follow dermal exposure. Symptoms associated with lethal oral doses included decreased activity, ataxia, suppressed or total loss of righting reflex, and depressed respiration. (L585)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Inhalation (L585) ; oral (L585) ; dermal (L585) ; eye contact (L585)

Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Nausea. Drowsiness. Weakness. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.

Dry skin.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Further see Inhalation.

irritation eyes, respiratory system; central nervous system depression

Symptoms of trans-1,2-DCE exposure include nausea, dowiness, and tiredness. Mild or moderate erythema may follow dermal exposure, and skin or eye irritation can follow dermal/eye contact. (L585)

Dermal (Skin), Immunological (Immune System), Ocular (Eyes)

Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

1,2-Dichloroethylene (Mixed Isomers)

PDF Document

HEAST Archive

HEAST Current

LC50 (mice) = 21,723 ppm/6H (trans-isomer);

LD50: 1 300-10 000 mg/kg/day (Inhalation, Rat) (L585)

LD50 Mouse ip approximately 2150 mg/kg

LD50 Rat oral 770 mg/kg

LD50 Mouse ip 2 g/kg

Following inhalation exposure, move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. In case of seizures, administer a benzodiazepine IV. Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes in case of eye exposure. Following dermal exposure, remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. Treat dermal irritation or burns with standard topical therapy. Patients developing dermal hypersensitivity reactions may require treatment with systemic or topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. (T36)

Inhalation studies were conducted to determine the potential subchronic toxicity of a mixture of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (70%), cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (5%), and perfluorobutylethylene (25%). Groups of rats were exposed to 0, 400, 2000, or 8000 ppm concentrations of the mixture vapor 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk, for a total of 20 exposures. Subgroups of rats were further observed during a 1-month recovery period. Functional observational battery (FOB) and motor activity (MA) behavioral tests were conducted prior to initiation of the exposures, during exposure wk 4, and after a 1-month post-exposure recovery period. Clinical pathology evaluations were conducted at the end of the exposure period and after a 1-month recovery period. At the end of the 4-wk exposure period, tissues from rats were collected, histologically processed, and evaluated by light microscopy. Test substance-related, biologically significant decreased body weights and body weight gains occurred in male and female rats exposed to 8000 ppm. In addition, test substance-related, statistically significant decreases in food consumption and/or food efficiency were observed in male rats exposed to 8000 ppm. During exposures to 8000 ppm, some rats exhibited tremors and ataxia. Usually tremors and ataxia were observed within 1 hr after initiation of the daily exposure period and were observed during each exposure day. Tremors were also observed during 1 exposure day in the 2000 ppm animals. In addition to the tremors and ataxia, rats exposed to 2000 ppm or 8000 ppm had a diminished and/or no alerting response to a sharp, sound stimulus during each of the daily exposure periods. These effects were transient since no clinical observations of compromised neurological function were detected when the rats were evaluated upon return to the animal room following exposure. Daily reoccurrence of this apparently acute effect in the 8000 ppm group did not produce enduring neurological changes since there were no test substance-related effects on FOB parameters or on MA conducted the day following the last exposure or during the recovery period. In addition, there were no toxicologically significant changes in hematology, clinical chemistry, or urinalysis parameters in either males or females for any exposure concentration; and there were no test substance-related gross or microscopic morphological changes in males or females administered any exposure concentration. Under the conditions of the study, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was 400 ppm in males and females based on clinical signs of toxicity during exposure to 2000 or 8000 ppm. /Mixture of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (70%), cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (5%), and perfluorobutylethylene (25%)/

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. ...

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . Cover skin burns with sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of cardiac irritability and fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

Employees should be screened for history of certain medical conditions which might place the employee at increased risk from 1,2-dichloroethylene exposure. Liver disease: The importance of /the liver/ in the biotransformation and detoxification of foreign substances should be considered before exposing persons with impaired liver function. Chronic respiratory disease: In persons with impaired pulmonary function, expecially those with obstructive airway disease, the breathing of 1,2-dichloroethylene might cause exacerbation of symptoms due to its irritant properties. Any employee developing the above listed conditions should be referred for further medical examination.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Clinical effects caused by acute exposure to 1,2-dichloroethene include central nervous system and respiratory depression, eye and upper respiratory irritation, nausea, vomiting, weakness, tremors, and epigastric cramps, all of which may resolve rapidly after the exposure ceases.

/PREGNANCY AND HUMAN REPRODUCTION/ The results of the studies showed that the gonadotoxicity and embryotoxicity were found in rodents exposed to concentration of DCE at 24.8 mg/cu m; DCE could reach the fetus through the placenta. The investigation of workers exposed to DCE indicated that prematurities among exposed female workers and wives of exposed male workers were higher than that of control groups. Therefore the MAC /minimum alveolar concentration/ of DCE (25 mg/cu m) is not safe enough.

/GENOTOXICITY/ The main objective of this study was to compare the cytotoxic genotoxic and mutagenic activity of a number of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are widely used as chemical intermediates, solvents, degreasing agents etc. in industry, and to establish the structure-toxicity relationship of the chemicals by using the most adequate determinants in estimating their toxicity. The mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of some of the candidate chemicals, namely 1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,3-dichloropropane, 1,2,3-trichloropropane and 1,1,3-trichloropropene were evaluated in an in vitro micronucleus assay. The cytokinesis-block methodology was applied on human lymphocytes in the presence or absence of an external metabolic activation system (S9-mix). In the micronucleus assay, all test substances, except 1,2,3-trichloropropane with and without S9-mix and 1,1,2-trichloroethane without S9-mix in the repeated experiment, exhibited a low but statistically significant mutagenic activity, compared to the concurrent control. However, none of the five chemicals was able to induce a clear and reproducible linear dose-dependent increase in micronucleus frequencies in this assay. Generally, mutagenic activity of the chemicals was found in the absence of severe cytotoxicity and/or cell cycle delay. The DNA breakage capacity and the cytotoxicity of these chemicals were also assessed in the alkaline single cell gel (SCG) electrophoresis test (comet assay) with and without S9-mix in isolated human lymphocytes. All chemical compounds induced DNA breakage, in the presence or absence of the metabolic activation system, at the doses tested. The data showed that the DNA reactivity of the chemicals increased with increasing degree of halogenation. The results of the present work suggested that the comet assay might be a more suitable and sensitive screening method than the micronucleus test for this particular class of compound. However, both assays do detect different endpoints.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Some but not all dogs /experienced CNS depression/ by inhaling the vapor have been observed to develop delicate superficial corneal turbidity. The first observation of corneal disturbance was made on three dogs repeatedly exposed to dichloroethylene by evaporation of 10-15 cc in a chamber of 0.115 cu m volume. Haziness was observed in both corneas of one dog after the second exposure and slight haziness of one eye of another dog after fourteen exposures, but no ocular disturbance was found in the third dog. A more detailed study subsequently showed that the corneal haziness occuring in dogs was attributable to many fine gray flecks in the endothelium, and that this usually cleared in twenty-four hours, or forty-eight hours at the most.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ A subchronic inhalation study was conducted ... in which rats, rabbits, guinea pigs (strains not stated), and beagle dogs were exposed to 0, 500, or 1,000 ppm (0, 1,980, or 3,960 mg/cu m) 1,2-DCE mixture (58% cis-, 42% trans- isomer), 7 hours/day for 6 months. The 1,980 mg/cu m exposure groups consisted of 24 male and 35 female rats, 7 male and 8 female guinea pigs, 3 male and 3 female rabbits, and 2 female dogs, while the 3,960 mg/cu m exposure groups consisted of 12 male and 12 female rats and 2 male and 2 female rabbits. In addition to the animals receiving daily 7-hour exposures, separate groups of 10 male rats were exposed to 1,980 mg/cu m 1,2-DCE for 4, 2, or 1 hour(s)/day for a total duration of 5 months. In all studies, each animal was weighed twice per week until growth was determined to be normal; afterwards, each animal was weighed once per week. Hematological analyses and clinical chemistry determinations were performed on all rabbits, on five male and five female rats exposed to 3,960 mg/cu m, and on all dogs exposed to 1,980 mg/cu m. Rats and rabbits exposed to 3,960 mg/cu m of 1,2-DCE, 7 hours/day (136 exposures in 195 days) did not exhibit increased mortality or clinical signs of toxicity. Growth of animals was normal, and final body weights and weights of lungs, heart, spleen, and testes were not significantly different from controls. Hematology and biochemical values were within normal limits. The average relative kidney weight (expressed as a ratio of kidney weight to body weight) in male and female rats were increased by 16 and 9%, respectively (statistically significant only in the males). The average relative liver weight in female rats (expressed as a ratio of liver weight to body weight) was statistically significantly increased by 23%. Liver weight in both male and female rabbits were also increased, but statistical significance was not determined because of the small number of rabbits tested. Rats exposed to 1,980 mg/cu m of 1,2-DCE, 7 hours/day, for 6 months did not demonstrate excess mortality or adverse clinical effects. Hematology and clinical chemistry values were within normal limits. Terminal body weights and relative lung, heart, spleen, and testes weight were not significantly different from controls, but relative kidney weight of male and female rats were increased by 9 and 18%, respectively (statistically significant only in the male rats). Liver weights of female rats were significantly increased by 19%. No noteworthy effects on mortality, behavior, or appearance were observed in the guinea pigs exposed to 1,980 mg/cu m on 81 of 117 days. Final average body weights and organ weights were not significantly different from controls. Rabbits exposed to 1,980 mg/cu m for 131 exposures in 181 days exhibited no effects, except that increases in liver weights of both male and female rabbits occurred at termination (statistical evaluations were not performed because of the small number of experimental animals). Female dogs exposed to 1,980 mg/cu m tolerated 129 exposures in 183 days without biologically significant effects. Clinical chemistry and hematology data were essentially identical to values obtained prior to initiation of the 1,980 mg/cu m exposure regimen. In rats exposed to 1,980 mg/cu m 1,2-DCE for shorter periods of 4, 2, or 1 hour/day, 5 days/week, for 5 months (136 exposures in a period of 195 days), no clinical or behavioral abnormalities were seen, and final body weight and organ weight data were not significantly different from control values. The BUN and ALP values were within normal limits.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ A group of Fischer 344 rats received 2.0 millimoles of diethylnitrosamine by gavage. Another group received 2-acetyl-aminofluorene for 2 weeks with 2 mL/kg carbon tetrachloride by gavage in addition to diethylnitrosamine. At 14 days after termination of the treatment, hepatocytes were isolated and cultured in the presence of chloroform, 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethene, 1,1,1- trichloroethane and 1,1,2-trichloroethane. Cells were evaluated for survival and for expression of gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase. Pretreatment with diethylnitrosamine and 2-acetyl-aminofluorene produced many gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase containing hepatocytes. 1,2-Dibromoethane was the most toxic, followed in order by 1,2-dichloroethylene; 1,1,2-trichloroethylene; 1,1,1-trichloroethylene; chloroform, and 1,1-dichloroethylene.

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill) Young of Year, weight 0.32-1.2 g; Conditions: freshwater, static, 21-23 °C, pH 6.5-7.9, hardness 32-48 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 28-34 mg/L CaCO3, conductivity 93-190 umhos/cm, dissolved oxygen 0.3-9.7 mg/L; Concentration: 165000 uM for 24 hr /> or = 80% purity/

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill) Young of Year, weight 0.32-1.2 g; Conditions: freshwater, static, 21-23 °C, pH 6.5-7.9, hardness 32-48 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 28-34 mg/L CaCO3, conductivity 93-190 umhos/cm, dissolved oxygen 0.3-9.7 mg/L; Concentration: 140000 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 120000-160000 ug/L) /> or = 80% purity/

LC50; Species: Eisenia fetida (Earthworm) adult, weight 300-500 mg; dermal 286 ug/sq cm for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 264-308 ug/sq cm) /> or =98% purity/

1,2-Dichloroethylene's production and use as a chemical intermediate and solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 201 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1,2-dichloroethylene will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,2-dichloroethylene will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and ozone; the half-lives for these reactions in air are estimated to be 7.6 and 480 days, respectively. 1,2-Dichloroethylene does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, 1,2-dichloroethylene is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 40. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected based upon a Henry's Law constant of 4.08X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. 1,2-Dichloroethylene may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil. If released into water, 1,2-dichloroethylene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. 1,2-Dichloroethylene has a first-order biodegradation half-life of 31 and 478 days in stream bed sediment under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively, suggesting that biodegradation may proceed under certain environmental conditions. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3 hours and 4 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 8 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions (pH 5 to 9). Occupational exposure to 1,2-dichloroethylene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 1,2-dichloroethylene is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to 1,2-dichloroethylene via inhalation of ambient air or ingestion of contaminated drinking water. (SRC)

1,2-Dichloroethylene's production and use as a chemical intermediate and solvent(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Under anaerobic conditions, that may exist in landfills or sediment, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene may be formed by reductive dehalogenation of trichloroethylene facilitated by microorganisms(2).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,2-dichloroethylene is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1,2-dichloroethylene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 4.08X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). 1,2-Dichloroethylene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 201 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). cis- and trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, present at 2.62 and 2.32 mg/L, respectively, reached 0% of its Theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum in the Japanese MITI test(5), suggesting that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 40(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,2-dichloroethylene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 4.08X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). 1,2-Dichloroethylene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 8(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.86(6) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. 1,2-Dichloroethylene has a first-order biodegradation half-life of 31 and 478 days in stream bed sediment under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively(7), suggesting that biodegradation may proceed under certain environmental conditions(SRC). No biodegradation of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene occurred in a river die-away test(8). Biodegradation of 1,2-dichloroethylene was 50% and 73% of the cis- and trans- isomer, respectively, studied in microcosms prepared from uncontaminated organic sediment from the Everglades incubated anaerobically for 6 months(9).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1,2-dichloroethylene, which has a vapor pressure of 201 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,2-dichloroethylene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 8 days(SRC), calculated from its isomer average rate constant of 2.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Vapor-phase 1,2-dichloroethylene is also degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 480 days(SRC), calculated from its isomer average rate constant of 2.7X10-20 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(4). 1,2-Dichloroethylene does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: Chlorinated ethenes generally resist biodegradation when incubated under aerobic conditions(1). cis- and trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, present at 2.62 and 2.32 mg/L, respectively, reached 0% of its Theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using 1 drop/L activated sludge inoculum in the Japanese MITI test(2). Other studies under aerobic conditions showed similar results of limited degradation for 1,2-dichloroethylene(3). However, mineralization of C14-labeled 1,2-dichloroethylene (mixture of 20% trans- and 71% cis-isomers) was observed under aerobic conditions in streambed sediments characterized by a high content of natural organic matter (2.5% dry mass organic content) and saturated with humic acid-laden black water(4); 67% of C14-labeled CO2 was recovered in 50 days under aerobic conditions(4) which corresponds to a first-order half-life of 31 days(SRC). It has been suggested that ammonia-oxdizing aerobic bacteria and facultative-sulfur bacteria can biodegrade chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons(1).

ANAEROBIC: 1,2-Dichloroethylene undergoes slow biodegradation when incubated under anaerobic conditions(1). When trans-1,2-dichloroethylene was incubated under anaerobic conditions with methanogenic aquifer material obtained adjacent to a landfill site in a serum bottle at 17 °C, at least 16 weeks of incubation were required before disappearance began relative to autoclaved controls, whereas the concentration of the cis- isomer was reduced to <2% of controls during the same period(2). Vinyl chloride was identified as a degradation product after 1-2 weeks(2). After 40 weeks, the average concentration of the trans-isomer was reduced to 18% of controls, only traces of the cis-isomer remained, and no vinyl chloride or other degradation product were found(2). Another investigator found that when cis- or trans-1,2-dichloroethylene were incubated anaerobically using an inoculum from a municipal waste digester in order to simulate conditions in a landfill, vinyl chloride appeared within 6 weeks(3). Biodegradation of 1,2-dichloroethylene was studied in microcosms prepared from uncontaminated organic sediment from the Everglades and allowed to sit to insure oxygen depletion(4). Under these anoxic conditions, 50% and 73% of the cis- and trans-isomer, respectively, were lost in 6 months with accompanying formation of vinyl chloride(4). Ethyl chloride was formed in the case of the cis- but not the trans-isomer, indicating that there is at least one pathway other than the reductive dechlorination for the cis-isomer(4). Mineralization of C14-labeled 1,2-dichloroethylene (mixture of 20% trans- and 71% cis-isomer) was observed under anaerobic conditions in streambed sediments characterized by a high content of natural organic matter (2.5% dry mass organic content) and saturated with humic acid-laden black water(5). 7% Of C14-labeled CO2 was recovered in 50 days for unamended sediments(5), which corresponds to a first-order half-life of 478 days(SRC); 25% of C14-labeled CO2 was recovered in 50 days for sediments amended with 2 mg humic acid/L(5), which corresponds to a first-order half-life of 121 days(SRC); humic acids are believed to serve as electron acceptors in the anaerobic oxidation 1,2-dichloroethylene(5).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 1,2-dichloroethylene (isomer average) with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been reported as 2.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 7.6 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 1,2-dichloroethylene (isomer average) with ozone has been estimated as 2.7X10-20 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(2). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 480 days at an atmospheric concentration of 7X10+11 ozone molecules per cu cm(3). 1,2-Dichloroethylene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(4). 1,2-Dichloroethylene does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 8 was calculated in fish for 1,2-dichloroethylene(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.86(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of 1,2-dichloroethylene can be estimated to be 40(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 1,2-dichloroethylene is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for 1,2-dichloroethylene is reported as 4.08X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 1,2-dichloroethylene is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 3 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4 days(SRC). 1,2-Dichloroethylene's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). 1,2-Dichloroethylene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 201 mm Hg(3).

GROUNDWATER: Groundwater 1 mile from the site of an abandoned industrial landfill contained 138 ppb of 1,2-dichloroethylene(1). At a Connecticut solvent recovery site, the concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene was 30 and 2.7 ppm on-site and not detected and 4.3 ppm 80 m down gradient at the water table and from a deep well, respectively(2). At a solvent recovery site in Wisconsin 1,2-dichloroethylene concentrations were 30 and 8.7 ppm on-site, and not detected and 47 ppm 80 m down gradient(2). The Biscayne aquifer, that supplies drinking water to residents of Dade County, FL in the vicinity of the Miami Drum site contained 0-26 ppb of 1,2-dichloroethylene(3). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected (detection limit 0.2 ug/L) in 3 of 63 samples collected from private wells in Nebraska during the summer of 1982 at maximum and median concentrations of 2.1 and 0.50 ug/L, respectively(4). In samples collected 1983-1984 in Nebraska, 1,2-dichloroethylene was detected in 7 of 9 monitoring wells at a concentration of 2.9 ug/L(4). The mean concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene at the site of a leaking subsurface trichloroethylene storage tank sampled Apr 1981 to Dec 1983 in Vero Beach, FL ranged from 1000 to 4000 ppb(5). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected (detection limit not reported) in groundwater samples taken at 36 golf courses across the United States(6). Concentrations in an anaerobic aquifer beneath a workshop for locomotive engines in Copenhagen, Denmark were <0.1-27 ug/L(7). Samples in an anaerobic aquifer beneath an industrial area in Frederikssund, Denmark contained 1,2-dichloroethylene ranging from <0.3 to 31,000 ug/L; sampling was conducted in 1997 and 2000(7). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected at a maximum of 3.0 ug/L in groundwater samples from Italy as reported in 47 studies published 1997 to 2013(8).

DRINKING WATER: In a 1982 US groundwater supply survey, 16 of 466 randomly selected sites were positive for 1,2-dichloroethylene; detection limit was 0.2 ppb and the maximum concentration was 2 ppb(1). Two contaminated drinking water wells in Massachusetts and one in New York contained 323, 294 and 91 ppb of 1,2-dichloroethylene, respectively(2). Nationally, the highest reported concentration in drinking water derived from surface sources was 9.8 ppb(2). A Vero Beach, FL production well located 268 m from a leaking underground storage tank containing trichloroethylene contained 12 ppm of 1,2-dichloroethylene(3). From July 1982 to 1983, 1,2-dichloroethylene was positively identified at a trace concentration in 3 raw and 3 treated water samples (detection limit not reported) from 10 potable water treatment plants in Canada(4). A survey of 30 Canadian potable water treatment facilities showed that between 1 and 6 of the supplies contained 1,2-dichloroethylene in their finished drinking water; the highest level measured was 32 ppb(5). Of the 14 UK water supplies surveyed, two contained detectable quantities of 1,2-dichloroethylene(6).

SURFACE WATER: Of the 1144 stations in the USEPA STORET data base, 6% had detectable quantities of 1,2-dichloroethylene in the water with a median concentration of <5 ppb(1). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was absent from samples taken from the Niagara River and open waters of Lake Ontario(2). The concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene in the Hylebos Waterway in the Puget Sound, WA ranged from 0.8 to 2.4 ppb in 1979(3). In samples collected May 1981 to May 1982 from a drainage discharging into the Indian River in Vero Beach, FL, 1,2-dichloroethylene was detected in 23 of 39 samples (detection limit 4.0 ug/L) at 4.0-48.1 ppb with a mean of 15.7 ppb(4). The maximum concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene in Wilson Creek, which is adjacent to a hazardous waste site in Bullit County, KY, was 75 ppb(5).

RAIN/SNOW: Rain water from a rain event in west Los Angeles contained 230 ng/L of 1,2-dichloroethylene(1).

Of the 1369 stations in the EPA STORET data base, 7.0% had detectable quantities of 1,2-dichloroethylene in effluent with a median concentration of <2.5 ppb(1). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected in 4 of 5 leachate samples from a landfill site that accepted both municipal and industrial wastes with concentrations ranging from 150 to 3200 ppb(2). Final effluent from the Los Angeles County, CA wastewater treatment plant contained 5.2 ppb of 1,2-dichloroethylene(3). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected emanating from a simulated landfill made from municipal waste and sewage sludge 8 months after preparation(4). The average concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene in gas emerging from the surface of 9 landfills used for methane recovery was 200 ppb(5). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected at <1 ug/L in the liquid phase effluent from North Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant in Broward County, FL(6).

SEDIMENT: Of the 361 stations in the USEPA STORET data base 4% had detectable quantities of 1,2-dichloroethylene in sediment with a median concentration of <5 ppb(1). Surficial sediment taken 6 km northwest of the discharge from the Los Angeles County, CA wastewater treatment plant at a depth of 60 m contained <0.5 ppb (dry weight) of 1,2-dichloroethylene(2). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected, not quantified, in sediment/soil/water samples at the Love Canal, Niagara Falls, NY(3). SOIL: 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected at one of nine locations in a soil cover at different depths from a landfill in Florence, Italy, at 11,458-18,547 ppbv(4).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: The mean concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene was measured in the urban atmosphere of the following cities (ppb): Tulsa, OK (<0.1), Kanawha Valley, WV (0.08), Front Royal, VA (0.1), S Charleston, WV (<0.08), Birmingham, AL (<0.1), Baton Rouge, LA (<0.1), Upland, CA (<0.1), Magna, VT (0.08), Grand Canyon, AZ (0.065), and Geismer, LA (maximum concentration, 2.6)(1). The concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene in air outside of 3 of 9 homes in Old Love Canal (Niagara Falls, NY) hazardous waste site in 1978 was a trace (detection limit unspecified)(2). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected in 119 of 3650 samples collected from urban/suburban and rural/remote locations throughout Minnesota at 0.1-2.18 ug/cu m(3).

INDOOR AIR: The concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene in indoor air sampled in 1978 from a basement of a home in Old Love Canal (Niagara Falls, NY) was 0.015 ppb(1). In indoor air samples collected the winter of 1982 from homes in Knoxville, TN, 1,2-dichloroethylene was detected in all 16 with a mean concentration of 8.1 ppb(2).

RURAL/REMOTE: 1,2-Dichloroethylene was not detected (detection limit 5 parts/trillion) in rural air near Pullman, WA between Dec 1974 and Feb 1975(1). 1,2-Dichloroethylene was detected in 119 of 3650 samples collected from urban/suburban and rural/remote locations throughout Minnesota at 0.1-2.18 ug/cu m(2).

Samples of fish livers, shrimp muscle and invertebrates collected 6 km northwest of the discharge from the Los Angeles County, CA wastewater treatment plant contained <0.3 ppb (wet weight) of 1,2-dichloroethylene(1). None of the 95 stations in the USEPA STORET data base reported detectable quantities of 1,2-dichloroethylene in fish(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 216 workers (10 of these are female) were potentially exposed to 1,2-dichloroethylene in the US(1). Occupational exposure to 1,2-dichloroethylene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 1,2-dichloroethylene is produced or used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to 1,2-dichloroethylene via inhalation of ambient air or ingestion of contaminated drinking water(SRC).

1,2-Dichloroethene is a compound produced by human industrial activities. Sources of environmental exposure to 1,2-dichloroethylene include: process and fugitive emissions from its production and use as a chemical intermediate; evaporation from waste water streams, landfills, and solvents; emissions from combustion or heating of polyvinyl chloride and some vinyl copolymers; formation via anaerobic biodegradation of some chlorinated solvents; and leaching from landfills. Most of the 1,2-dichloroethene released in the environment will eventually enter the atmosphere or groundwater, where it may be subject to further biotic or abiotic degradation processes(1).

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U079, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. Also, a potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids. Also a potential candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. /Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for 1,2-Dichloroethylene (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 130P FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

/GUIDE 130P FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 130P FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 130P FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Immiscible/Noxious)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for 1,2-Dichloroethylene (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

1150 130P

UN 1150; 1,2-Dichloroethylene

IMO 3; 1,2-Dichloroethylene

49 091 45; Dichloroethylene

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. 1,2-Dichloroethylene is included on the dangerous goods list.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. 1,2-Dichloroethylene is included on the dangerous goods list.

Flammable Liquid

Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-20-52/53; S: (2)-7-16-29-61; Note: C

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II