1,2-Dichloroethane
This Product Safety Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the chemical substance in
the context of ICCA Global Product Strategy. The information in the Summary is basic information
and is not intended to provide emergency response, medical or treatment information. In-depth
safety and health information can be found in the (extended) Safety Data Sheet (e)SDS for the
chemical substance.
General Statement
1,2-Dichloroethane (commonly known as ethylene dichloride or EDC) is a simple chlorinated organic
substance which is found as a colourless liquid at room temperature. It is manufactured by the
reaction of chlorine with ethane in the presence of an iron(III) chloride catalyst or the reaction of
chlorine with ethylene. It was first prepared in 1794 by the Society of Dutch Chemists. It is used
primarily for the production of the vinyl chloride monomer, which is in turn used in the production
of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Over 95% of EDC production is used in PVC manufacture, which is
employed in a wide variety of industries.
Chemical Identity
Name: 1,2-Dichloroethane
CAS number: 107-06-2
Molecular formula: C2H4Cl2
Use and Applications
EDC is used primarily as an intermediate (over 95% in Europe) in the manufacture of VCM. As EDC
and VCM are both hazardous, this production typically takes place in strictly controlled conditions to
remove exposure of workers to the substance. EDC is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a
solvent for some specific reactions. Many other uses existed historically, but these have been
phased out. All uses are controlled to reduce worker exposure and minimise release to the
environment. The substance is not sold or provided for consumer use.
Physical/Chemical Properties
EDC is a colourless liquid at room temperature. It is often used directly at the production site,
though it can also be transported as a liquid. The substance is extremely flammable.
Physical state
Colour
Odour
Density
Melting temperature
Boiling temperature
Molecular weight
Liquid
Colourless
Of chlorinated solvents
About 1.25 g/cm3
-35 °C
84 °C
98.96 g/mol
Human Health Safety Assessment
EDC can be toxic to humans, and can cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of the vapours can also
cause lung irritation. The substance is classified as a probable human carcinogen by IARC. An
inhalation study indicates formation of mammary tissue tumours in rats, though the mode of action
for this is unknown and epidemiological evidence in humans is lacking. Industrial workers should
ensure that they follow the advice found in the extended safety data sheet (eSDS).
Environmental Safety Assessment
EDC is not classified as harmful to the environment, and environmental exposure is extremely low
due to rigorous containment.
Exposure
Human Health
The different uses identified for the substance have been assessed as safe under several regulatory
programs. Workers exposure is generally very low due to containment of the substance. Consumers
will not come into contact with EDC. The substance has been assessed as safe for industrial use,
when the provisions laid down in the eSDS are followed carefully.
Environment
EDC release into the environment does not normally occur, as it is used within closed systems.
Where exposure does occur, this is generally very low. EDC exposure in the environment is
stringently regulated and local levels typically monitored.
Regulatory Information
EDC has been registered under the European REACH Regulation EC/1907/2006 and the substance
was found to be safe for the uses identified. The substance was also reviewed under the OECD HPV
program (assessment of chemicals produced in high volumes). EDC is a priority substance under the
European Water Framework Directive, and thus environmental levels are monitored. Worker
exposure to the substance is controlled in many countries by adherence to an OEL.
Classification and Labelling
The substance is subject to harmonised classification under the EU Classification Labelling and
Packaging (CLP) Regulation EC/1272/2008. Industry has adopted a more stringent self-classification,
as required under CLP, as follows:
Flammable liquid 2
H225
Highly flammable liquid and vapour
Carcinogenic 1B
H350
May cause cancer
Acute toxicity 4
H302
Harmful if swallowed
Acute toxicity 3
H331
Eye irritant 2
H319
Causes severe eye irritation
Skin irritant 2
H315
Causes skin irritation
STOT SE 3
H335
Toxic if inhaled
May cause respiratory irritation
(Please note that specific labels may differ from the classification above. For complete details on the
classification and labelling of 1,2-dichloroethane, consult the SDS.)
Conclusion
1,2-Dichloroethane is a hazardous but well controlled substance that is necessary in the production
of PVC plastics and is also used as a solvent in the pharmaceuticals industry. The use of this
substance has been shown to be safe when exposure is rigorously controlled.
Contact Information within Company
For further information on this substance or product safety summaries in general, please contact:
Xxxxx Xxxxx at xxxxxx@xxxxx.com or visit our website at www.xxxx.com.
Euro Chlor (www.eurochlor.org), the European chlor-alkali manufacturers association is a useful
repository of information regarding chlorine and can be contacted at eurochlor@cefic.be.
Additional information on the ICCA global product strategy can be found here: http://www.iccachem.org/en/Home/ICCA-initiatives/global-product-strategy/
Glossary
Acute toxicity
Biodegradable
Bioaccumulation
Carcinogenicity
Chronic toxicity
Mutagenicity
OEL
Sensitising
Date of Issue
xx/xx/xxxx
Revised
xx/xx/xxxx
harmful effects after a single exposure
breakdown of materials by a physiological environment
accumulation of substances in the environment
effects causing cancer
harmful effects after long-term repeated exposures
effects that change genes
Occupational Exposure Limit
allergenic