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1,2-Dibromoethane

PubChem CID
7839
Structure
1,2-Dibromoethane_small.png
1,2-Dibromoethane_3D_Structure.png
Molecular Formula
Synonyms
  • 1,2-Dibromoethane
  • 106-93-4
  • ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE
  • Ethylene bromide
  • sym-Dibromoethane
Molecular Weight
187.86 g/mol
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Dates
  • Create:
    2004-09-16
  • Modify:
    2025-01-04
Description
1,2-Dibromoethane is a manufactured chemical. It also occurs naturally in small amounts in the ocean where it is formed, probably by algae and kelp. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. Other names for 1,2-dibromoethane are ethylene dibromide, EDB, and glycol bromide. Trade names include Bromofume and Dowfume. 1,2-Dibromoethane has been used as a pesticide in soil, and on citrus, vegetable, and grain crops. Most of these uses have been stopped by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 1984. Another major use was as an additive in leaded gasoline; however, since leaded gasoline is now banned, it is no longer used for this purpose. Uses today include treatment of logs for termites and beetles, control of moths in beehives, and as a preparation for dyes and waxes.
Ethylene dibromide is a nonflammable colorless liquid with a sweet chloroform-like odor at room temperature above 50ºF (10ºC). It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in most organic solvents. It is heavier than water. When heated to decomposition, it may release gases and vapors such as hydrogen bromide, bromine, and carbon monoxide. Ethylene dibromide should be stored in a dry place at ambient temperature.
Ethylene dibromide can cause cancer according to state or federal government labeling requirements. It can cause developmental toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

1 Structures

1.1 2D Structure

Chemical Structure Depiction
1,2-Dibromoethane.png

1.2 3D Conformer

1.3 Crystal Structures

COD records with this CID as component

2 Names and Identifiers

2.1 Computed Descriptors

2.1.1 IUPAC Name

1,2-dibromoethane
Computed by Lexichem TK 2.7.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

2.1.2 InChI

InChI=1S/C2H4Br2/c3-1-2-4/h1-2H2
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

2.1.3 InChIKey

PAAZPARNPHGIKF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Computed by InChI 1.0.6 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

2.1.4 SMILES

C(CBr)Br
Computed by OEChem 2.3.0 (PubChem release 2024.12.12)

2.2 Molecular Formula

C2H4Br2
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)

Br(CH2)2Br

C2H4Br2

2.3 Other Identifiers

2.3.1 CAS

106-93-4

2.3.2 Deprecated CAS

56729-21-6, 625084-37-9, 8003-07-4

2.3.3 European Community (EC) Number

2.3.4 UNII

2.3.5 UN Number

2.3.6 ChEBI ID

2.3.7 ChEMBL ID

2.3.8 DSSTox Substance ID

2.3.9 HMDB ID

2.3.10 ICSC Number

2.3.11 KEGG ID

2.3.12 Metabolomics Workbench ID

2.3.13 NCI Thesaurus Code

2.3.14 Nikkaji Number

2.3.15 RTECS Number

2.3.16 Wikidata

2.3.17 Wikipedia

2.4 Synonyms

2.4.1 MeSH Entry Terms

  • 1,2 Dibromoethane
  • 1,2-Dibromoethane
  • Bromide, Ethylene
  • Dibromide, Ethylene
  • Dibromides, Ethylene
  • Dowfume W 85
  • Dowfume W85
  • Ethylene Bromide
  • Ethylene Dibromide
  • Ethylene Dibromides
  • sym Dibromoethane
  • sym-Dibromoethane

2.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

3 Chemical and Physical Properties

3.1 Computed Properties

Property Name
Molecular Weight
Property Value
187.86 g/mol
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
XLogP3
Property Value
2
Reference
Computed by XLogP3 3.0 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Rotatable Bond Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Exact Mass
Property Value
187.86593 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Monoisotopic Mass
Property Value
185.86798 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Topological Polar Surface Area
Property Value
0 Ų
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Heavy Atom Count
Property Value
4
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Formal Charge
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Complexity
Property Value
6
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2021.10.14)
Property Name
Isotope Atom Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Compound Is Canonicalized
Property Value
Yes
Reference
Computed by PubChem (release 2021.10.14)

3.2 Experimental Properties

3.2.1 Physical Description

Ethylene dibromide appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sweetish odor. Density 18.1 lb /gal. Slightly soluble in water. Soluble in most organic solvents and thinners. Noncombustible. Very toxic by inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion. Used as a solvent, scavenger for lead in gasoline, grain fumigant and in the manufacture of other chemicals.
Liquid
Colorless liquid or solid (below 50 degrees F) with a sweet odor. [fumigant] [NIOSH]
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. TURNS BROWN ON EXPOSURE TO LIGHT.
Colorless liquid or solid (below 50 °F) with a sweet odor.
Colorless liquid or solid (below 50 °F) with a sweet odor. [fumigant]

3.2.2 Color / Form

Heavy liquid
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 702
Colorless liquid or solid (below 50 degrees F)
NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg

3.2.3 Odor

Chloroform odor
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 702
Sweetish odor
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 583

3.2.4 Boiling Point

268 to 270 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
131.3 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-150
131 °C
268 °F

3.2.5 Melting Point

49.9 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
9.8 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-150
10 °C
50 °F

3.2.6 Solubility

less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
In water, 4,310 mg/L at 30 °C
Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 28
In water, 3.91X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C
Horvath AL; J Phys Chem Ref Data 28: 395-627 (1999)
Soluble in about 250 parts water
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 702
Soluble in diethyl ether, ethanol and most organic solvents. Miscible with non-alkaline organic liquids
MacBean C, ed; e-Pesticide Manual. 15th ed., ver. 5.1, Alton, UK: British Crop Protection Council. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4) (2008-2010)
For more Solubility (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.34 (poor)
0.4%

3.2.7 Density

2.18 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
2.16832 g/cu cm at 25 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-150
Relative density (water = 1): 2.2
2.17

3.2.8 Vapor Density

6.48 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
6.48 (Air = 1)
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 12th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2012., p. V3: 2021
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 6.5
6.48

3.2.9 Vapor Pressure

11 mmHg at 68 °F ; 17.4 mmHg at 86 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
11.2 [mmHg]
11.2 mm Hg at 25 °C
Call F; J Sci Food Agric 8: 81-5 (1957)
Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 1.5
12 mmHg
11 mmHg (@ 77 °F)

3.2.10 LogP

log Kow = 1.96
Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 4
1.96

3.2.11 Henry's Law Constant

Henry's Law constant = 6.50X10-4 atm-cu m/mole @ 25 °C
Rathbun RE; U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1589: 1-151 (1998)

3.2.12 Stability / Shelf Life

Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
/1,2-Dibromomethane/ is stable and nonflammable.
Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 2. Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991., p. 682

3.2.13 Autoignition Temperature

Not flammable (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

3.2.14 Decomposition

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions - Carbon oxides, hydrogen bromide gas.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
At 240-270 °C in a glass vessel, ethylene bromide decomposes into vinyl bromide & hydrogen bromide.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V4 250 (1978)
Toxic gases & vapors (such as hydrogen bromide, bromine, & carbon monoxide) may be released when ethylene dibromide decomposes.
Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 2
When heated to decomp ... emits toxic fumes of /hydrogen bromide/.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 1661
Decomposed by alkalis & by light.
Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK: The British Crop Protection Council, 1994., p. 416

3.2.15 Viscosity

1.727 cP at 20 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 6-231

3.2.16 Corrosivity

Liquid ethylene dibromide will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings.
NOAA; CAMEO Chemicals. Database of Hazardous Materials. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Natl Ocean Atmos Admin, Off Resp Rest; NOAA Ocean Serv. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov
May poison platinum catalysts
NOAA; CAMEO Chemicals. Database of Hazardous Materials. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Natl Ocean Atmos Admin, Off Resp Rest; NOAA Ocean Serv. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/
Corrosive to iron and other metals
NOAA; CAMEO Chemicals. Database of Hazardous Materials. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Natl Ocean Atmos Admin, Off Resp Rest; NOAA Ocean Serv. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/

3.2.17 Heat of Combustion

Heat of combustion in an oxygen bomb is 6647 J/g (1289 cal/g).
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present., p. V4 (1992) 571

3.2.18 Heat of Vaporization

82.1 BTU/lb = 45.6 cal/g = 1.91X10+5 J/kg
NOAA; CAMEO Chemicals. Database of Hazardous Materials. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Natl Ocean Atmos Admin, Off Resp Rest; NOAA Ocean Serv. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/

3.2.19 Surface Tension

38.75 dynes/cm = 0.03875 Newtons/m at 20 °C; Liquid-water interfacial tension: 36.54 dynes at 20 °C
NOAA; CAMEO Chemicals. Database of Hazardous Materials. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Natl Ocean Atmos Admin, Off Resp Rest; NOAA Ocean Serv. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/

3.2.20 Ionization Potential

9.45 eV

3.2.21 Odor Threshold

Low: 76.80 mg/cu m; High: 62.50 mg/cu m.
Ruth JH; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 47: A-142-51 (1986)

3.2.22 Refractive Index

Index of refraction: 1.5356 at 20 °C/D
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-150

3.2.23 Kovats Retention Index

Standard non-polar
770.9 , 787 , 795 , 805 , 786.9 , 775.4 , 787 , 783.2 , 790 , 774 , 790 , 823 , 783.9
Semi-standard non-polar
803 , 805 , 811 , 791 , 783.9 , 783 , 806.1 , 827 , 814.9
Standard polar
1247 , 1265 , 1267.79 , 1286 , 1299.71 , 1284.4 , 1226 , 1265

3.2.24 Other Experimental Properties

Reacts as alkylating agent; liberates bromide
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V15 196 (1977)
Percent in saturated air: 1.5 at 25 °C
Reid JB; Saturated Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Two to Four Carbons. Patty's Toxicology. 6th ed. (1999-2018). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. On-line Posting Date: 17 Aug 2012
Vapor Pressure: 1.13 kPa (8.5 mm Hg) at 20 °C; 15.98 kPa (119.8 mm Hg) at 75 °C; 285.2 mm Hg at 100 °C.
Ioffe D, Frim R; Bromine, Organic Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2018). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: 15 Jul 2011
Heat capacity, J/(kg K): solid at 15.3 °C, 519 (124 cal/kg K); liquid at 21.3 °C, 724 (173 cal/kg K)
Ioffe D, Frim R; Bromine, Organic Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2018). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: 15 Jul 2011
For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

3.3 SpringerMaterials Properties

3.4 Chemical Classes

3.4.1 Pesticides

Agrochemicals -> Pesticide active substances
Active substance -> EU Pesticides database: Not approved
Pesticides -> Fumigants
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) (Pesticide/Volatile Organic Compound (VOC))

4 Spectral Information

4.1 1D NMR Spectra

1D NMR Spectra
1H NMR: 7554 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection)

4.1.1 1H NMR Spectra

1 of 3
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
JEOL
Frequency
300 MHz
Solvent
CDCl3
Shifts [ppm]:Intensity
3.65:1000.00
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2 of 3
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Instrument Name
BRUKER AC-300
Source of Sample
Tokyo Kasei Kogyo Company, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Copyright
Copyright © 1991-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.1.2 13C NMR Spectra

1 of 3
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
Varian
Frequency
25.16 MHz
Solvent
CDCl3
Shifts [ppm]:Intensity
29.59:1000.00
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2 of 3
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Source of Sample
MCB Manufacturing Chemists, Norwood, Ohio
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.2 Mass Spectrometry

4.2.1 GC-MS

1 of 14
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
EI-B
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

107.0 99.99

109.0 93.70

93.0 3.93

95.0 3.58

108.0 3.45

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Notes
instrument=JEOL JMS-D-3000
2 of 14
View All
Spectra ID
Instrument Type
EI-B
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

107.0 99.99

109.0 94.39

27.0 85.81

26.0 21.06

28.0 14.79

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Notes
instrument=HITACHI RMU-7M

4.2.2 Other MS

1 of 3
View All
Other MS
MASS: 22302 (NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral Database, 1990 version)
2 of 3
View All
Authors
MASS SPECTROSCOPY SOC. OF JAPAN (MSSJ)
Instrument
JEOL JMS-D-3000
Instrument Type
EI-B
MS Level
MS
Ionization Mode
POSITIVE
Ionization
ENERGY 70 eV
Top 5 Peaks

107 999

109 937

93 39

95 36

108 35

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License
CC BY-NC-SA

4.3 IR Spectra

IR Spectra
IR: 15294 (Sadtler Research Laboratories IR Grating Collection)

4.3.1 FTIR Spectra

1 of 2
Technique
BETWEEN SALTS
Source of Sample
The Dow Chemical Company
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Technique
NEAT
Source of Sample
Environmental Protection Agency
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.3.2 ATR-IR Spectra

1 of 2
Technique
ATR-Neat
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thumbnail
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2 of 2
Instrument Name
Bruker Tensor 27 FT-IR
Technique
ATR-Neat (DuraSamplIR II)
Source of Spectrum
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Source of Sample
Spectrochem Pvt. Ltd.
Catalog Number
104198
Copyright
Copyright © 2014-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.3.3 Near IR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
BRUKER IFS 88
Technique
NIR
Source of Spectrum
Prof. Buback, University of Goettingen, Germany
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Instrument Name
BRUKER IFS 88
Technique
NIR
Source of Spectrum
Prof. Buback, University of Goettingen, Germany
Copyright
Copyright © 1989, 1990-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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4.3.4 Vapor Phase IR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
DIGILAB FTS-14
Technique
Vapor Phase
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Technique
Vapor Phase
Source of Spectrum
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Source of Sample
Aldrich
Catalog Number
240656
Copyright
Copyright © 2018-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2018-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.4 Raman Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
Bruker MultiRAM Stand Alone FT-Raman Spectrometer
Technique
FT-Raman
Source of Spectrum
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Source of Sample
Spectrochem Pvt. Ltd., India
Catalog Number
104198
Copyright
Copyright © 2014-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Catalog Number
240656
Copyright
Copyright © 2017-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2017-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.5 Other Spectra

Intense mass spectral peaks: 107 m/z (100%), 109 m/z (94%), 81 m/z (6%), 79 m/z (6%)
Hites, R.A. Handbook of Mass Spectra of Environmental Contaminants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1985., p. 2

6 Chemical Vendors

7 Drug and Medication Information

7.1 FDA National Drug Code Directory

7.2 Clinical Trials

7.2.1 ClinicalTrials.gov

8 Agrochemical Information

8.1 Agrochemical Category

Pesticide active substances

8.2 EU Pesticides Data

Active Substance
1,2-dibromoethane
Status
Not approved [Reg. (EC) No 1107/2009]

9 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

9.1 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

/Ethylene dibromide is/ ... readily & rapidly absorbed from lung when breathed as vapor, GI tract when taken by mouth, or through skin when applied topically. ... Distribution of bromide in the tissues /reported/. ...
Patty, F. (ed.). Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume II: Toxicology. 2nd ed. New York: Interscience Publishers, 1963., p. 1287
After ip admin of (14)C-ethylene dibromide to guinea pigs (30 mg/kg), greatest concn of (14)C was found in those tissues in which pathological changes ... reported (kidneys, liver & adrenals). 65% Of dose was excreted as metabolites in urine & 12% unchanged in expired air.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V15 202 (1977)
Twenty-four hr after ip admin of 40 mg/kg body wt (14)C-ethylene dibromide to mice, 40% was excreted as metabolites in the urine, and 15% ... accounted for in the body tissues, incl 6% in the blood. The highest activity per gram of tissue, excepting the blood, was found in the kidney and stomach (incl stomach contents).
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V15 202 (1977)
After admin ip injections of (14)C-ethylene dibromide to rats and mice ... cmpd was widely distributed, with concn in liver, kidney, & small intestine. At 24 hr the liver and kidney contain irreversibly bound (14)C in RNA, DNA, and protein.
National Research Council. Drinking Water and Health. Volume 3. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1980., p. 98
For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

9.2 Metabolism / Metabolites

Ethylene dibromide (1,2-dibromoethane, EDB) is metabolized by two routes: a conjugative route catalyzed by glutathione S-transferases (GST) and an oxidative route catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (P450). The GST route is associated with carcinogenicity. An approach is presented to use human purified GST and P450 enzymes to explore the importance of these metabolic pathways for man in vivo. This strategy basically consists of four steps: (i) identification of the most important isoenzymes in vitro, (ii) scaling to rate per milligram cytosolic and microsomal protein, (iii) scaling to rate per gram liver, and (iv) incorporation of data in a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. In the first step, several GST isoenzymes were shown to be active toward EDB and displayed pseudo-first-order kinetics, while the EDB oxidation was catalyzed by CYP2E1, 2A6, and 2B6, which all displayed saturable kinetics. In the second step, the predictions were in agreement with the measured activity in a batch of 21 human liver samples. In the third step, rat liver P450 and GST metabolism of EDB was predicted to be in the same range as human metabolism (expressed per gram). Interindividual differences in GST activity were modeled to determine "extreme cases." For the most active person, an approximately 1.5-fold increase of the amount of conjugative metabolites was predicted. Lastly, it was shown that the GST route, even at low concentrations, will always contribute significantly to total metabolism. In the fourth step, a PBPK model describing liver metabolism after inhalatory exposure to EDB was used. The saturation of the P450 route was predicted to occur faster in the rat than in man. The rat was predicted to have a higher turnover of EDB from both routes. Nevertheless, when all data are combined, it is crucial to recognize that the GST remains significantly active even at low EDB concentrations. The limitations and advantages of the presented strategy are discussed.
Ploemen JP et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 143 (1): 56-69 (1997)
Urinary metabolites in rats and mice after oral administration of ethylene dibromide were identified as S-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine and N-acetyl-s-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine; N-acetyl-s-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine-s-oxide was also identified after ip admin of the chemical.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V15 202 (1977)
In vivo studies indicated that reaction /between EDB and glutathione/ occurs primarily in liver with formation of S-(beta-hydroxyethyl)glutathione, S-(beta-hydroxyethyl)glutathione sulfoxide and S,S1-bis(glutathione)ethylene. Later degradation occurs primarily in kidneys to yield S-(beta-hydroxyethyl) mercapturic acid and its sulfoxide.
Menzie, C.M. Metabolism of Pesticides, Update II. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish Wildlife Service, Special Scientific Report - Wildlife No. 2l2. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1978., p. 132
The metabolism of halogen-containing fumigants in mammals (and birds) ... reviewed. An explanation for efficient prodn of S-(2-hydroxyethyl)glutathione from ethylene dibromide prodn in liver prepn probably depends on ... reactivity of the product ... of the first displacement reaction, which is a 'sulfur mustard' derivative. The derived episulfonium ion is very reactive towards nucleophilic attack, hydrolysis yielding S-(2-hydroxyethyl)glutathione & reaction with another molecule of glutathione giving ... ethylene SS'-bisglutathione.
The Chemical Society. Foreign Compound Metabolism in Mammals Volume 3. London: The Chemical Society, 1975., p. 427
For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
1_2-dibromoethane has known human metabolites that include 2-bromoacetaldehyde.
S73 | METXBIODB | Metabolite Reaction Database from BioTransformer | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4056560
1,2-Dibromoethane is rapidly absorbed by ingestion, inhalation, and dermal routes, then distributed mainly to the kidneys, liver, and spleen. It can be metabolized by either the cytochrome P-450 system or the glutathione S-transferase system. Many of the metabolites are toxic, and include 2-bromoacetaldehyde and S-(2-bromoethyl)glutathione. These metabolites may be further broken down and excreted in the urine. (L120)
L120: ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1992). Toxicological profile for 1,2-dibromoethane. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp37.html

9.3 Biological Half-Life

Whole body (animal studies): less than 72 hours; [TDR, p. 640]
TDR - Ryan RP, Terry CE, Leffingwell SS (eds). Toxicology Desk Reference: The Toxic Exposure and Medical Monitoring Index, 5th Ed. Washington DC: Taylor & Francis, 1999., p. 640
Approximate biologic half life of ethylene dibromide after iv injection in rats was less than 2 hr, and in chicks, less than 12 hr.
NIOSH; Criteria Document: Ethylene Dibromide p.23 (1977) DHEW Pub. NIOSH 77-221
Biological half life of (14)C-1,2-dibromoethane in mice was less than 48 hr.
NIOSH; Criteria Document: Ethylene Dibromide p.24 (1977) DHEW Pub. NIOSH 77-221
Biological half-life of (14)C-1,2-dibromoethane in guinea pigs was less than 48 hr.
NIOSH; Criteria Document: Ethylene Dibromide p.24 (1977) DHEW Pub. NIOSH Pub No. 77-221

9.4 Transformations

10 Use and Manufacturing

10.1 Uses

Ethylene dibromide was used in the past as an additive to leaded gasoline; however, since leaded gasoline is now banned, it is no longer used for this purpose. Ethylene dibromide is currently used in the treatment of felled logs for bark beetles and termites, and control of wax moths in beehives.
EPA CPDat Chemical and Product Categories
The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products, Scientific Data, volume 5, Article number: 180125 (2018), DOI:10.1038/sdata.2018.125
Sources/Uses
Used as a fumigant, a solvent, a scavenger for lead in leaded gasoline, and an intermediate in organic synthesis; no longer used in the United States as a soil or grain fumigant; [ACGIH]
ACGIH - Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs, 7th Ed. Cincinnati: ACGIH Worldwide, 2020.
Restricted Notes
Use as fumigant suspended by EPA due to toxicity and ground water contamination. [Sullivan, p. 1053]
Sullivan - Sullivan JB, Krieger GR (eds). Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001., p. 1053
For ethylene dibromide (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 042002) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Available from, as of March 23, 2018: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... "cancelled."
United States Environmental Protection Agency/ Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration, and Special Review. (1998) EPA 738-R-98-002, p. 179
Soil and grain fumigant; as lead scavenger in anti-knock gasolines.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 702
EDB is a versatile reagent in organic synthesis. Major uses in this category are as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals (tetramisole, theodrenaline), herbicides (diquat dibromide), and dyes (Vat Blue 16), where it provides an ''ethylene bridge'' in the molecular structure. EDB is used as a nonflammable solvent for resins, gums, and waxes. Additionally, EDB can be used as a raw material in the synthesis of chemicals such as vinyl bromide (a precursor of flame-retardants) and styrenic block copolymers.
Ioffe D, Frim R; Bromine, Organic Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1999-2018). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Online Posting Date: July 15, 2011
For more Uses (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
1,2-Dibromoethane was once widely used as an additive in leaded gasoline and a pesticide, however, today it's use is restricted to only certain pesticides (treatment of logs for termites and beetles, control of moths in beehives) and dye preparations. (L120)
L120: ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1992). Toxicological profile for 1,2-dibromoethane. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp37.html

10.1.1 Use Classification

Chemical Classes -> Volatile organic compounds
Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
Hazard Classes and Categories -> Carcinogens, Mutagens, Teratogens

10.1.2 Industry Uses

Fuel agents

10.1.3 Consumer Uses

Fuel agents

10.2 Methods of Manufacturing

Made from ethylene and bromine; also from acetylene and hydrobromic acid.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 702
EDB is manufactured via uncatalyzed, liquid-phase bromination of ethylene. Gaseous ethylene is brought into contact with bromine by various methods, allowing for dissipation of the heat of the reaction.
Ioffe D, Frim R; Bromine, Organic Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1999-2018). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Online Posting Date: July 15, 2011
The commercial manufacturing process is carried out in a glass column reactor consisting of a lower packed section and an unpacked upper section containing a number of superimposed, high-capacity, coil heat exchangers. Liquid bromine is continuously added above the packed section while a slight excess of ethylene is continuously fed countercurrently from the bottom of the packed section. The exothermic reaction between ethylene and bromine occurs in the liquid phase on the surfaces of the cooling coils, and heat is removed at a rate sufficient to maintain a maximum temperature of 100 °C and the section of the column. Some reaction also occurs in the gas phase above the bromine feed where product is condensed and separated from the vent gas (ethylene, hydrogen bromide, and interact material). As the crude liquid product passes downward through the packed section, it provides a contacting surface for rising ethylene to convert any residual dissolved bromine. Ethylene dibromide is continuously withdrawn from the reactor into a hold-up tank where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light to eliminate minor amounts of unconverted starting materials.
Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present., p. VA4 (1985) 409

10.3 Formulations / Preparations

In oil; mixtures: (ethylene dibromide +) chloropicrin; methyl bromide
Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium, 11 th ed., British Crop Protection Council, Surrey, England 1997, p. 490
Liquid grade
Kuney, J.H. (ed.). CHEMCYCLOPEDIA 90. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1990., p. 81
Motor fuel antiknock mixes ca 18% or 2.8 g/L ethylene dibromide and aviation fuel antiknock mixes contain 36% ethylene dibromide.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. 15 (1977) 195-209

10.4 Consumption Patterns

LEAD SCAVENGER, 83%; OTHER USES, 17% (1981)
SRI
The annual use of ethylene dibromide in 1976 and 1982 was 1,659,000 and 12,409,000 lbs active ingredient/yr, respectively. The number of acres in California treated with ethylene dibromide for tomato production in 1977, 1982, and 1984 was 3015, 1393, and 178, respectively.
Gianessi LP; US Pesticide Use Trends: 1966-1989. Resources for the Future, Washington D.C. (1992)

10.5 U.S. Production

Aggregated Product Volume

2019: <1,000,000 lb

2018: <1,000,000 lb

2017: <1,000,000 lb

2016: <1,000,000 lb

(1974) 332 million lb
USEPA/OTS; A Study of Industrial Data on Candidate Chemicals for Testing p.4-63 (1977) Contract No. 68-01-4109
(1975) 275 million lb
USEPA/OTS; A Study of Industrial Data on Candidate Chemicals for Testing p.4-63 (1977) Contract No. 68-01-4109
(1977) 300 million lb
TSCA Inventory (1979) as cited in DHHS/NTP; Third Annual Report On Carcinogens (1983) p.54 NTP 82-330
(1977) 1.11X10+11 G
SRI
For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

10.6 U.S. Imports

(1976) less than 3000 lb
DHHS/NTP; Third Annual Report On Carcinogens (1983) p.54 NTP 82-330
(1977) 3.63X10+7 G
SRI
(1981) 3.81X10+8 G
SRI
The U.S. import levels of ethylene dibromide fluctuated between 1977 and 1981, reaching a peak in 1980 of 0.861 million pounds and a low in 1979 of 0.079 million pounds.
ATSDR; Toxicological Profile: 1,2-dibromoethane. Contract 205-88-0608 p. 81 (1982)

10.7 U.S. Exports

(1973) 99 million lb
DHHS/NTP; Third Annual Report On Carcinogens (1983) p.54 NTP 82-330
(1978) 2.92X10+10 G
SRI
(1981) 1.79X10+10 G
SRI
(1985) 2.50X10+10 g
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS, US EXPORTS, SCHEDULE E, 1985 p.2-73

10.8 General Manufacturing Information

Industry Processing Sectors
  • All other Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
  • Petroleum Refineries
EPA TSCA Commercial Activity Status
Ethane, 1,2-dibromo-: ACTIVE
The largest single application of EDB has traditionally been its use as a lead scavenger in leaded gasoline. Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated a reduction in the lead content in gasoline beginning in 1974, U.S. consumption of EDB in antiknock mixes has declined dramatically, from 60 thousand metric tons in 1978 to less than 1000 metric tons in 1997.
Ioffe D, Frim R; Bromine, Organic Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1999-2018). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Online Posting Date: July 15, 2011
The second-largest traditional use of EDB was as an insect fumigant and soil nematocide. In 1983, however, the EPA banned the use of EDB in most agricultural applications because of concerns about the chemical's toxicity. As a result, EDB consumption in this market has also dropped. Currently, most EDB in the United States is produced for export.
Ioffe D, Frim R; Bromine, Organic Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1999-2018). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Online Posting Date: July 15, 2011

11 Identification

11.1 Analytic Laboratory Methods

Method: NIOSH 1008, Issue 2; Procedure: gas chromatography (63)Ni electron-capture detector; Analyte: ethylene dibromide; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 0.01 ug/sample.
CDC; NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 4th ed. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Available from, as of March 27, 2018: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/
Method: OSHA 02; Procedure: gas chromatography using an electron capture detector; Analyte: ethylene dibromide; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 0.005 mg/cu m (6.5X10-4 ppm).
U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Index of Sampling and Analytical Methods. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Available from, as of April 3, 2018: https://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/toc.html
Method: ASTM D5316; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: ethylene dibromide; Matrix: water; Detection Limit: 0.01 ug/L.
National Environmental Methods Index; Analytical, Test and Sampling Methods. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://www.nemi.gov
Method: ASTM D5790; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: ethylene dibromide; Matrix: validated for treated drinking water, wastewater, and ground water; Detection Limit: 0.22 ug/L.
National Environmental Methods Index; Analytical, Test and Sampling Methods. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://www.nemi.gov
For more Analytic Laboratory Methods (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (27 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

11.2 Clinical Laboratory Methods

Blood samples are warmed and an inert gas is passed through the sample to extract the volatile halocarbons. Tissue samples are macerated in water, then treated the same as for blood samples. A Tenax gas chromatography cartridge is used to trap the vapors which are then recovered by thermal desorption and analyzed on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. ... The limits of detection of this method are approximately 3 ng/mL for a 10 mL blood sample and 6 ng/g for 5 g tissue sample.
Pellizzari ED et al; Int Agency for Res on Cancer 7: 435-44 (1985)

11.3 NIOSH Analytical Methods

12 Safety and Hazards

12.1 Hazards Identification

ERG Hazard Classes
Toxic/poison by inhalation (TIH/PIH)

12.1.1 GHS Classification

1 of 6
View All
Pictogram(s)
Acute Toxic
Irritant
Health Hazard
Environmental Hazard
Signal
Danger
GHS Hazard Statements

H301+H311+H331 (26.7%): Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]

H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (100%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (100%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H331 (94.2%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (100%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H350 (99.2%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

H411 (100%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

Precautionary Statement Codes

P203, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501

(The corresponding statement to each P-code can be found at the GHS Classification page.)

ECHA C&L Notifications Summary

Aggregated GHS information provided per 120 reports by companies from 14 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.

12.1.2 Hazard Classes and Categories

Acute Tox. 3 (100%)

Acute Tox. 3 (100%)

Skin Irrit. 2 (100%)

Eye Irrit. 2 (100%)

Acute Tox. 3 (94.2%)

STOT SE 3 (100%)

Carc. 1B (99.2%)

Aquatic Chronic 2 (100%)

Carcinogenicity - category 1B

Skin irritation - category 2

Eye irritation - category 2A

Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) - category 3

Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - category 2

Germ cell mutagenicity - category 2

Reproductive toxicity - category 2

Acute toxicity (ingestion) - category 3

Acute toxicity (dermal) - category 3

Acute toxicity (inhalation) - category 1

12.1.3 NFPA Hazard Classification

NFPA 704 Diamond
3-0-0
NFPA Health Rating
3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
NFPA Fire Rating
0 - Materials that will not burn under typical fire conditions, including intrinsically noncombustible materials such as concrete, stone, and sand.
NFPA Instability Rating
0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.

12.1.4 Health Hazards

Local inflammation, blisters and ulcers on skin; irritation in lungs and organic injury to liver and kidneys; may be absorbed through skin. (USCG, 1999)
U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

· TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.

· Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.

· Avoid any skin contact.

· Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.

12.1.5 Fire Hazards

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Decomposition gases are toxic and irritating.

Behavior in Fire: Decomposes into toxic irritating gases. Reacts with hot metals such as aluminum and magnesium. (USCG, 1999)

U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

· Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

· Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).

· Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

· Containers may explode when heated.

· For electric vehicles or equipment, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.

Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion. See Chemical Dangers.

12.1.6 Hazards Summary

1,2-Dibromoethane is a manufactured chemical. It also occurs naturally in small amounts in the ocean where it is formed, probably by algae and kelp. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. Other names for 1,2-dibromoethane are ethylene dibromide, EDB, and glycol bromide. Trade names include Bromofume and Dowfume. 1,2-Dibromoethane has been used as a pesticide in soil, and on citrus, vegetable, and grain crops. Most of these uses have been stopped by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 1984. Another major use was as an additive in leaded gasoline; however, since leaded gasoline is now banned, it is no longer used for this purpose. Uses today include treatment of logs for termites and beetles, control of moths in beehives, and as a preparation for dyes and waxes.
Ethylene dibromide is a nonflammable colorless liquid with a sweet chloroform-like odor at room temperature above 50ºF (10ºC). It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in most organic solvents. It is heavier than water. When heated to decomposition, it may release gases and vapors such as hydrogen bromide, bromine, and carbon monoxide. Ethylene dibromide should be stored in a dry place at ambient temperature.
Exposure to ethylene dibromide primarily occurs from its past use as an additive to leaded gasoline and as a fumigant. Ethylene dibromide is extremely toxic to humans. The chronic (long-term) effects of exposure to ethylene dibromide have not been well documented in humans. Animal studies indicate that chronic exposure to ethylene dibromide may result in toxic effects to the liver, kidney, and the testis, irrespective of the route of exposure. Limited data on men occupationally exposed to ethylene dibromide indicate that long-term exposure to ethylene dibromide can impair reproduction by damaging sperm cells in the testicles. Several animal studies indicate that long-term exposure to ethylene dibromideincreases the incidences of a variety of tumors in rats and mice in both sexes by all routes of exposure. EPA has classified ethylene dibromide as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.
In acute exposure studies in animals, ethylene dibromide is more toxic than a comparable dose of ethylene dichloride or carbon tetrachloride. It causes narcosis, respiratory irritation, kidney damage, and liver injury. [ACGIH] Strong positive data that ethylene dibromide can cause testicular damage in humans; [Frazier, p. 194]
ACGIH - Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs, 7th Ed. Cincinnati: ACGIH Worldwide, 2020.
Frazier - Frazier LM, Hage ML (eds). Reproductive Hazards of the Workplace. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1998., p. 194

12.1.7 Fire Potential

Not flammable
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V13 467

12.1.8 Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Irritations

A severe skin and eye irritant.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 1661

12.1.9 EPA Hazardous Waste Number

U067; A toxic waste when a discarded commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate.

12.2 Safety and Hazard Properties

12.2.1 Flammable Limits

Flammability
Noncombustible Liquid

12.2.2 Critical Temperature & Pressure

Critical temperature: 309.8 °C; critical pressure: 7154 kPa (70.6 atm).
Weiss, G.; Hazardous Chemicals Handbook. 1986, Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, NJ 1986., p. 497

12.2.3 OSHA Standards

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 20 ppm.
29 CFR 1910.1000 (USDOL); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 14, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable Ceiling Concentration: 30 ppm.
29 CFR 1910.1000 (USDOL); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 14, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable maximum peak above the acceptable ceiling concentration for an 8-hour shift. Concentration: 50 ppm. Maximum Duration: 5 minutes.
29 CFR 1910.1000 (USDOL); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 14, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.2.4 NIOSH Recommendations

Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hour Time-Weighted Average: 0.045 ppm
NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 minute Ceiling value: 0.13 ppm.
NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
NIOSH considers ethylene dibromide to be a potential occupational carcinogen.
NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
NIOSH usually recommends that occupational exposures to carcinogens be limited to the lowest feasible concentration.
NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg

12.3 First Aid Measures

Inhalation First Aid
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Skin First Aid
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .
Eye First Aid
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion First Aid
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

12.3.1 First Aid

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. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. 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: 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. Generally, the induction of vomiting is NOT recommended outside of a physician's care due to the risk of aspirating the chemical into the victim's lungs. However, if the victim is conscious and not convulsing and if medical help is not readily available, consider the risk of inducing vomiting because of the high toxicity of the chemical ingested. Ipecac syrup or salt water may be used in such an emergency. 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.

OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

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 ingestedor 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 continuouscompressions. 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:

· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(See 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 immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

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

12.4 Fire Fighting

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. 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. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

12.4.1 Fire Fighting Procedures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Use water to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 49-75

12.5 Accidental Release Measures

Public Safety: ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

· 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.

Spill or Leak: ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

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

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

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

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

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

12.5.1 Isolation and Evacuation

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1605 datasheet.

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)

Evacuation: ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

Spill

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

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.

Isolation

Small spill:

- ISOLATE in all directions: 30 m (100 ft)

Large spill:

- ISOLATE in all directions: 30 m (100 ft)

Protection

Small spill:

- PROTECT people from downwind during DAY time: 0.1 km (0.1 mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during NIGHT time: 0.1 km (0.1 mi)

Large spill:

- PROTECT people from downwind during DAY time: 0.1 km (0.1 mi)

- PROTECT people from downwind during NIGHT time: 0.2 km (0.1 mi)

12.5.2 Spillage Disposal

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

12.5.3 Cleanup Methods

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe 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: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
1. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 2. If in liq form, collect for reclamation or absorb in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or similar material. 3. If in solid form, collect ... in most convenient and safe manner for reclamation.
Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 4
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/
Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 15
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.
Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 49-67

12.5.4 Disposal Methods

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U067, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
40 CFR 240-280, 300-306, 702-799 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of April 2, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
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.
Ethylene dibromide is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Controlled incineration with adequate scrubbing and ash disposal facilities.
USEPA; Engineering Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p.2-7 (1981) EPA 68-03-3025
For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12.5.5 Preventive Measures

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe 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.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Appropriate engineering controls: Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
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.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (24 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12.6 Handling and Storage

12.6.1 Nonfire Spill Response

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

12.6.2 Safe Storage

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, powdered metals and food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Ventilation along the floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

12.6.3 Storage Conditions

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. Light sensitive. May darken on storage.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Store in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials, alkali metal, ammonia.
National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 49-75
Protect from light.
Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs and Biologicals. Rahway, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1989., p. 598
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practical to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/
Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 13

12.7 Exposure Control and Personal Protection

Protective Clothing: ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

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

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

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

Exposure Summary
TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

12.7.2 Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

20.0 [ppm], Ceiling(OSHA) = 30 ppm (50 ppm for 5-min peak per 8-hour shift)
PEL-TWA (8-Hour Time Weighted Average)
20 ppm
PEL-C (Ceiling)
30 ppm [5 minutes]; 50 ppm (Peak) [5 minutes for 8 hr shift]
TWA 20 ppm C 30 ppm 50 ppm [5-minute maximum peak]

12.7.3 Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)

46 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024)

100.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Exposures above 100 ppm for an hour or less or by longer exposures at lower concentrations (e.g., 75 ppm) have resulted in gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and respiratory involvement [Ott et al. 1980].

NIOSH considers ethylene dibromide to be a potential occupational carcinogen. [100 ppm]
NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg

Ca [46 ppm]

See: 2020-125

12.7.4 Threshold Limit Values (TLV)

Skin. A3: Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH 2017, p. 31
(skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans).

12.7.5 Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL)

EU-OEL
0.8 mg/m
MAK (Maximale Arbeitsplatz Konzentration)
skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 2.

12.7.6 Emergency Response Planning Guidelines

Emergency Response: ERG 2024, Guide 154 (Ethylene dibromide)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.

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

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

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

· Do not get water inside containers.

· 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.

12.7.7 Other Standards Regulations and Guidelines

East Germany (1977): 7 ppm; Poland (1977): 14 ppm.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 5th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1986., p. 250.3

12.7.8 Inhalation Risk

A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

12.7.9 Effects of Short Term Exposure

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the liver and kidneys. This may result in tissue lesions. Exposure at high concentrations could cause lowering of consciousness and death. The effects may be delayed.

12.7.10 Effects of Long Term Exposure

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys, resulting in impaired functions. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

12.7.11 Allowable Tolerances

Ethylene Dibromide; Revocation of Tolerances: This document revokes pesticide tolerances for ethylene dibromide (EDB) resulting from its use as a soil and post-harvest fumigant. EPA is taking this action because uses have been cancelled.
58 FR 65554 (12/15/93)

12.7.12 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Ethylene dibromide:

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 OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:

• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.

• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

(See personal protection and sanitation codes)

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

Remove: When wet or contaminated

Change: No recommendation

Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench

12.7.13 Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:

(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister

Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

12.7.14 Preventions

Fire Prevention
NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers
Exposure Prevention
AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Prevention
Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.
Skin Prevention
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Eye Prevention
Wear safety goggles, face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Ingestion Prevention
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

12.8 Stability and Reactivity

12.8.1 Air and Water Reactions

Slightly soluble in water. May react slowly with moisture.

12.8.2 Reactive Group

Halogenated Organic Compounds

12.8.3 Reactivity Profile

ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE slowly decomposes in the presence of light and heat. Turns brown upon exposure to light. Corrosive to iron and other metals. May decompose upon contact with alkalis. Incompatible with oxidizing agents. Reacts with sodium, potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc, magnesium and liquid ammonia. May attack some plastics, rubber and coatings. May poison platinum catalysts [Hawley]. Reacts as an alkylating agent (NTP, 1992).
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.8.4 Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities

Incompatible materials: Alkali metals, oxidizing agents, magnesium.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Product Number: D40752, Version 5.5 (Revision Date 09/21/2017). Available from, as of March 5, 2018: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Incompatible with calcium, liquid ammonia, zinc, sodium, potassium, and strong oxidizers.
Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 2
If a mixture of liquid ammonia and ethylene bromide is allowed to reach room temperature, an explosion may result with formation of ethylene diamine and higher homologs.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V4 250 (1978)
Reaction between magnesium and 1,2-dibromoethane may become violent and release air-sensitive Grignard compounds.
Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 1322
For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12.9 Transport Information

12.9.1 DOT Emergency Guidelines

If ... THERE IS NO FIRE, go directly to the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances /(see table below)/ ... to obtain initial isolation and protective action distances. IF THERE IS A FIRE, or IF A FIRE IS INVOLVED, go directly to the appropriate guide /(see guide(s) below)/ and use the evacuation information shown under PUBLIC SAFETY.

Table: Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for Ethylene dibromide ID: 1605

Small Spills (from a small package or small leak from a large package)
First ISOLATE in all Directions
Small Spills (from a small package or small leak from a large package)
Then PROTECT persons Downwind during DAY:
Small Spills (from a small package or small leak from a large package)
Then PROTECT persons Downwind during NIGHT:
Large Spills (from a large package or small leak from a large package)
First ISOLATE in all Directions
Large Spills (from a large package or small leak from a large package)
Then PROTECT persons Downwind during DAY:
Large Spills (from a large package or small leak from a large package)
Then PROTECT persons Downwind during NIGHT:
Small Spills (from a small package or small leak from a large package)
30 m (100 ft)
Small Spills (from a small package or small leak from a large package)
0.1 km (0.1 mi)
Small Spills (from a small package or small leak from a large package)
0.1 km (0.1 mi)
Large Spills (from a large package or small leak from a large package)
30 m (100 ft)
Large Spills (from a large package or small leak from a large package)
0.1 km (0.1 mi)
Large Spills (from a large package or small leak from a large package)
0.2 km (0.1 mi)

U.S. Department of Transportation. 2016 Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2016
/GUIDE 154 SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Non-Combustible)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. . For electric vehicles or equipment, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.
U.S. Department of Transportation. 2016 Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2016
/GUIDE 154 SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Non-Combustible)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
U.S. Department of Transportation. 2016 Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2016
/GUIDE 154 SUBSTANCES - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE (Non-Combustible)/ 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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Ventilate enclosed areas.
U.S. Department of Transportation. 2016 Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2016
For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12.9.2 DOT ID and Guide

12.9.3 Shipping Name / Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO

UN 1605; Ethylene dibromide
IMO 6.1; Ethylene dibromide

12.9.4 Standard Transportation Number

49 403 35; Ethylene dibromide
49 091 66; Ethylene dibromide-methyl bromide mixture, liquid (insecticides, agricultural, not elsewhere classified, liquid)

12.9.5 Shipment Methods and Regulations

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)./
49 CFR 171.2 (USDOT); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 21, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov
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. Ethylene dibromide is included on the dangerous goods list.
International Air Transport Association. Dangerous Goods Regulations. 59th Edition. Montreal, Quebec Canada. 2018., p. 272
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. Ethylene dibromide is included on the dangerous goods list.
International Maritime Organization. IMDG Code. International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Volume 2 2016, p. 76
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Procurement ... of unduly large amt ... should be avoided. To avoid spilling, carcinogens should be transported in securely sealed glass bottles or ampoules, which should themselves be placed inside strong screw-cap or snap-top container that will not open when dropped & will resist attack from the carcinogen. Both bottle & the outside container should be appropriately labelled. ... National post offices, railway companies, road haulage companies & airlines have regulations governing transport of hazardous materials. These authorities should be consulted before ... material is shipped. /Chemical Carcinogens/
Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 13
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": When no regulations exist, the following procedure must be adopted. The carcinogen should be enclosed in a securely sealed, watertight container (primary container), which should be enclosed in a second, unbreakable, leakproof container that will withstand chem attack from the carcinogen (secondary container). The space between primary & secondary container should be filled with absorbent material, which would withstand chem attack from the carcinogen & is sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the primary container in the event of breakage or leakage. Each secondary container should then be enclosed in a strong outer box. The space between the secondary container & the outer box should be filled with an appropriate quantity of shock-absorbent material. Sender should use fastest & most secure form of transport & notify recipient of its departure. If parcel is not received when expected, carrier should be informed so that immediate effort can be made to find it. Traffic schedules should be consulted to avoid ... arrival on weekend or holiday ... /Chemical Carcinogens/
Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 13

12.9.6 DOT Label

Poison Inhalation Hazard

12.9.7 Packaging and Labelling

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

12.9.8 EC Classification

Symbol: T, N; R: 45-23/24/25-36/37/38-51/53; S: 53-45-61; Note: E

12.9.9 UN Classification

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: I

12.10 Regulatory Information

The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals
Chemical: Ethane, 1,2-dibromo-
California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Reportable Ingredient

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Developmental Toxicity; Hazard Trait Under Review; Hepatotoxicity and Digestive System Toxicity; Nephrotoxicity and Other Toxicity to the Urinary System; Reproductive Toxicity

Authoritative List - CA MCLs; CA TACs; CWA 303(d); EC Annex VI CMRs - Cat. 1B; IARC Carcinogens - 2A; IRIS Carcinogens - Likely Carcin.; NTP RoC - reasonable; OEHHA RELs; Prop 65

Report - regardless of intended function of ingredient in the product

REACH Registered Substance
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
1,2-Dibromoethane: HSNO Approval: HSR002992 Approved with controls

12.10.1 Atmospheric Standards

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Ethylene dibromide is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
40 CFR 60.489 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 14, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov
Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Ethylene dibromide is included on this list.
Clean Air Act as amended in 1990, Sect. 112 (b) (1) Public Law 101-549 Nov. 15, 1990

12.10.2 Federal Drinking Water Standards

Maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for synthetic organic contaminants apply to community water systems and non-transient, non-community water systems: ethylene dibromide, MCL 0.00005 mg/L.
40 CFR 141.61(c) (10) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 13, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.10.3 Federal Drinking Water Guidelines

The maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for the following organic contaminant is zero mg/L: ethylene dibromide.
40 CFR 141.50(a) (12) (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 13, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.10.4 State Drinking Water Standards

(FL) FLORIDA 0.02 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present
(HI) HAWAII 0.04 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present
(MA) MASSACHUSETTS 0.02 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present

12.10.5 State Drinking Water Guidelines

(AZ) ARIZONA 0.0005 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present
(ME) MAINE 0.004 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present
(MN) MINNESOTA 0.2 ug/L
USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present

12.10.6 Clean Water Act Requirements

Ethylene dibromide is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
40 CFR 116.4 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 14, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.10.7 CERCLA Reportable Quantities

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
40 CFR 302.4 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 14, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.10.8 RCRA Requirements

U067; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when ethane, 1,2-dibromo-, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
40 CFR 261.33 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 14, 2018: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.10.9 FIFRA Requirements

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer safety standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA '88 were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List C, and with List C containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List D. Ethylene dibromide is found on List B. Case No: 2235; Pesticide type: insecticide; Case Status: No products containing the pesticide are actively registered. Therefore, we are characterizing the case as "cancelled." Under FIFRA, pesticide producers may voluntarily cancel their registered products. EPA also may cancel pesticide registrations if registrants fail to pay required fees or make/meet certain reregistration commitments, or if EPA reaches findings of unreasonable adverse effects.; Active ingredient (AI): ethylene dibromide; Data Call-in (DCI) Date(s): 10/13/92; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products. Thus, we characterize it as "cancelled."
United States Environmental Protection Agency/ Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration, and Special Review. (1998) EPA 738-R-98-002, p. 179
Cancelled, all products. ... Criteria of concern: oncogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive effects. References: 48 FR 46228 (10/11/83); 49 FR 4452 (2/6/84); 49 FR 14182 (4/10/84); 50 FR 12072 (3/27/85); FIFRA Sec.3 registration cancelled for nonpayment of 1989 maintenance fee, 10/12/89.
Environmental Protection Agency/OPTS. Suspended, Cancelled, and Restricted Pesticides. 5th Ed. Washington, DC: Environmental Protection Agency, February 1990.
Ethylene dibromide; Revocation of Tolerances: This document revokes pesticide tolerances for ethylene dibromide (EDB) resulting from its use as a soil and post-harvest fumigant. EPA is taking this action because uses have been cancelled.
58 FR 65554 (12/15/93)

12.11 Other Safety Information

Chemical Assessment

IMAP assessments - Ethane, 1,2-dibromo-: Human health tier II assessment

IMAP assessments - Ethane, 1,2-dibromo-: Environment tier II assessment

12.11.1 Toxic Combustion Products

When heated to decomp ... emits toxic fumes of /hydrogen bromide/.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 1661

12.11.2 Other Hazardous Reactions

Vinyl bromide is formed slowly on contact with a warm alkaline solution.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V4 250 (1978)

12.11.3 Special Reports

USEPA; Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) Position Doc #4 (Draft) (1982).
TSCA CHIPs present a preliminary assessment of 1,2-dibromoethane's potential for injury to human health & the environment (available at EPA's TSCA Assistance Office: (202) 554-1404
USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Ethylene dibromide (1985) EPA-600/X-84-181.
Brown AF; J Environ Health 46 (5): 220-5 (1984) The paper reviews the chemistry, production, exposure, risks, and regulation of ethylene dibromide. A listing of occupations with potential exposures to ethylene dibromide is given, as well as a summary of ethylene dibromide residues in various grain products and the relative carcinogenic potency of ethylene dibromide.
For more Special Reports (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13 Toxicity

13.1 Toxicological Information

13.1.1 Toxicity Summary

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Ethylene dibromide (1,2-Dibromoethane) is a colorless liquid. Historically, the primary use of 1,2-dibromoethane has been as a lead scavenger in antiknock mixtures added to gasolines. Another major past use of 1,2-dibromoethane was as a pesticide and an ingredient of soil and grain fumigants and for post-harvest application. 1,2-Dibromoethane has been used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of resins, gums, waxes, dyes, and pharmaceuticals and as a high-density, nonflammable solvent. HUMAN STUDIES: 1,2-Dibromoethane has produced oral ulcerations, followed by liver and renal toxicity. Cases of fatal poisoning have been reported. It was a DNA damaging agent when tested in human lymphocytes, but positive results were noted only after metabolic activation. ANIMAL STUDIES: Dogs exposed for 1 to 1.5 hr to vapor of 1,2-dibromoethane developed clouding of corneas several hours after removal from the exposure chamber. Rats tolerated exposure to 25 ppm 1,2-dibromoethane in air over 7 hr/day for 151 days, but 63 similar exposures to levels of 50 ppm were lethal to 20-50% of animals. Deaths from acute exposure were usually due to lung congestion and hemorrhage although liver and kidney damage, as well as corneal injury, were also observed. 1,2-Dibromoethane caused tumors in rats and mice at several different tissue sites and by several different routes of exposure. Inhalation exposure to 1,2-dibromoethane caused cancer of the nasal cavity and the blood vessels in rats of both sexes and in female mice; benign or malignant lung tumors in mice of both sexes and in female rats; and benign or malignant mammary gland tumors in females of both species. It also caused testicular tumors in male rats and cancer of the subcutaneous tissue in female mice. Dermal exposure to 1,2-dibromoethane caused lung and skin tumors in female mice. In mice, administration of 1,2-dibromoethane in the drinking water caused forestomach tumors in both sexes and benign tumors of the esophagus in females. Some of the male reproductive effects of ethylene dibromide in the human have been modelled in the rabbit, although the rabbit appears not to be as sensitive, since semen parameters were affected only at doses close to the LD50 (55 mg/kg). When given ip at dose of 10 mg/kg on 5 successive days to rats it damaged spermatogenic cells. Two to three weeks after start of oral treatment of bulls with 4 mg/kg bw 1,2-dibromoethane on alternate days, abnormal spermatozoa were observed, indicating interference with spermatogenesis and with maturation of spermatozoa in epididymis. Fetal abnormalities were observed when pregnant rats and mice were exposed at 31.6 ppm 1,2-dibromoethane for 23 hr a day during the 6th-15th days of gestation. 1,2-Dibromoethane bound covalently to liver DNA of rats treated in vivo. It was selectively lethal to DNA-repair-deficient bacteria, and provoked DNA repair in cultured mammalian cells. It was mutagenic to bacteria, fungi, vascular plants, insects and cultured mammalian cells in the absence of an exogenous metabolic activation system. It induced chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in cultured mammalian cells. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: 1,2-Dibromoethene showed low toxicity to most aquatic species tested. It was phytotoxic for green plants and germinating seed.
The metabolite 2-bromoacetaldehyde produces liver damage by binding to cellular proteins. S-(2-bromoethyl)glutathione, another metabolite, exerts genotoxic and carcinogenic effects by binding to DNA. Antispermatogenic effects of 1,2-dibromoethanes metabolites may be caused by their covalent binding to thiol groups of nucleoproteins in nuclei of spermatozoa. Such adduct formation interferes with DNA, causing improper packing of the chromatin. (L120)
L120: ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1992). Toxicological profile for 1,2-dibromoethane. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp37.html

13.1.2 EPA IRIS Information

Toxicity Summary
EPA IRIS Summary PDF (Update: Jul-29-2004 )
Cancer Sites

Endocrine

Gastrointestinal

Reproductive

Respiratory

Critical Effect Systems

Endocrine

Hepatic

Reproductive

Respiratory

Reference Dose (RfD), chronic
9 x 10 ^-3 mg/kg-day
Reference Concentration (RfC), chronic
9 x 10 ^-3 mg/m^3

13.1.3 RAIS Toxicity Values

Inhalation Unit Risk (IUR) (ug/m^3)^-1
0.0006
Inhalation Unit Risk Reference
IRIS Current
Inhalation Chronic Reference Concentration (RfC) (mg/m^3)
0.009
Inhalation Chronic Reference Concentration Reference
IRIS Current
Inhalation Subchronic Reference Concentration (RfCs) (mg/m^3)
0.002
Inhalation Subchronic Reference Concentration Reference
HEAST Current
Oral Chronic Reference Dose (RfDoc) (mg/kg-day)
0.009
Oral Chronic Reference Dose Reference
IRIS Current
Oral Slope Factor (CSFo)(mg/kg-day)^-1
2
Oral Slope Factor Reference
IRIS Current

13.1.4 USGS Health-Based Screening Levels for Evaluating Water-Quality

Chemical
1,2-Dibromoethane
USGS Parameter Code
77651
Chemical Classes
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) (Pesticide/Volatile Organic Compound (VOC))
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Levels)[μg/L]
0.05
Benchmark Remarks
Synonym Ethylene dibromide
Reference
Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

13.1.5 NIOSH Toxicity Data

13.1.6 Evidence for Carcinogenicity

Cancer Classification: Group B2 Probable Human Carcinogen
USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs, Health Effects Division, Science Information Management Branch: "Chemicals Evaluated for Carcinogenic Potential" (April 2006)
CLASSIFICATION: "likely to be carcinogenic to humans". BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: This is based on the consistent findings of several studies reporting increased incidences of a variety of tumors in rats and mice of both sexes by different routes of administration at both the site of application and at distant sites, it can be concluded that there is strong evidence of the carcinogenicity of 1,2-dibromoethane in animals. The available evidence further supports a conclusion that 1,2-dibromoethane is a genotoxic carcinogen based on evidence from a variety of in vitro and in vivo test systems. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Sufficient.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Summary on 1,2-Dibromoethane (106-93-4). Available from, as of March 29, 2018: https://www.epa.gov/iris/
A3: Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH 2017, p. 31
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of ethylene dibromide. There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of ethylene dibromide. Overall evaluation: Ethylene dibromide is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). In making the overall evaluation, the Working Group took into consideration that ethylene dibromide is genotoxic in a broad range of in vitro and in vivo assays and binds covalently with DNA in vivo.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. 71 661 (1999)
1,2-Dibromoethane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.
NTP; Report on Carcinogens, Fourteenth Edition, 1,2-Dibromoethane CAS No. 106-93-4 (2016); Available from, as of March 27, 2018: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/index-1.html

13.1.7 Carcinogen Classification

1 of 2
IARC Carcinogenic Agent
Ethylene dibromide
IARC Carcinogenic Classes
Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
IARC Monographs

Volume 15: (1977) Some Fumigants, the Herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, Chlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Miscellaneous Industrial Chemicals

Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)

Volume 71: (1999) Re-evaluation of Some Organic Chemicals, Hydrazine and Hydrogen Peroxide (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

Additional information
NB Overall evaluation upgraded to Group 2A with supporting evidence from other relevant data
2 of 2
Carcinogen Classification
2A, probably carcinogenic to humans. (L135)

13.1.8 Health Effects

Long term exposure can result in liver, kidney, and reproductive system damage. 1,2-Dibromoethane is also known to have adverse effects on the brain. (L120)
L120: ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1992). Toxicological profile for 1,2-dibromoethane. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp37.html

13.1.9 Exposure Routes

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Oral (L120) ; inhalation (L120) ; dermal (L120)
L120: ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1992). Toxicological profile for 1,2-dibromoethane. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp37.html

13.1.10 Symptoms

Inhalation Exposure
Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
Skin Exposure
MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain.
Eye Exposure
Redness. Pain.
Ingestion Exposure
Abdominal pain. Vomiting. Drowsiness.
irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; dermatitis with vesiculation; liver, heart, spleen, kidney damage; reproductive effects; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Redness and inflammation, including skin blisters and mouth and stomach ulcers, can occur if large amounts of 1,2-dibromoethane are swallowed. Breathing high levels may cause depression and collapse. (L120)
L120: ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1992). Toxicological profile for 1,2-dibromoethane. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp37.html

13.1.11 Target Organs

Body Weight, Cancer, Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hepatic (Liver), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children)

Endocrine

Hepatic

Reproductive

Respiratory

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, reproductive system

13.1.12 Cancer Sites

Endocrine

Gastrointestinal

Reproductive

Respiratory

[in animals: skin & lung tumors]

13.1.13 Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin - Primary hepatotoxins: the toxic effect to the liver is the principal adverse effect of the chemical.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

IARC Carcinogen - Class 2: International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies chemicals as probable (2a), or possible (2b) human carcinogens.

NTP Carcinogen - Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Confirmed Animal.

13.1.14 Acute Effects

13.1.15 Toxicity Data

LC50 (rat) = 1,831 ppm/30 min
LD50: 108 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T14) LD50: 300 mg/kg (Dermal, Rat) (T14) LD50: 220 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (T14) LC50: 14 300 mg/m3 over 30 minutes (Inhalation, Rat) (T14)
T14: Lewis RJ (1996). Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

13.1.16 Interactions

Ethylene dibromide (EDB) has been used as a model compound for eliciting hepato- and nephrotoxicity. Conjugation with glutathione (GSH) has been shown to play a role in the bioactivation of EDB. The aim of this study was to determine whether activation of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors, which causes a decrease in cellular GSH levels, could modulate the nephrotoxicity of EDB. For this purpose, male ICR mice were treated with EDB and/or the alpha-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine (Pe), or the alpha-adrenergic antagonist, phentolamine (Phe). Animals treated with EDB (40 mg/kg, i.p.) had a 9.3-fold increase in urinary gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP: EC 2.3.2.2) activity and a 38% decrease in renal non-protein bound sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels; however, animals co-treated with EDB and Pe (50 mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited a 27.8-fold increase in urinary GGTP activity and a 60% decrease in NPSH levels. The enhanced presence of urinary GGTP and decrease in cellular levels of NPSH was nearly blocked by treating animals concomitantly with EDB and Phe (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or EDB, Pe, and Phe. Histopathological examination revealed the enhanced degree of tissue damage and necrosis following treatment with EDB and Pe, and the protective effect of Phe at ameliorating EDB toxicity. These results indicate that factors that can influence alpha-adrenergic receptors may be critical in assessing dose-response data used in the risk assessment process.
Harbison RD et al; Toxicology 186 (3): 181-9 (2003)
Disulfiram, given in combination with ethylene dibromide incr toxicity of ethylene dibromide in male Sprague-Dawley rats and incr ethylene dibromide residues in organs. Disulfiram incr retention of orally admin ethylene dibromide in most tissues.
PLOTNICK ET AL; BANBURY REPORT 5: 279-86 (1980)

13.1.17 Antidote and Emergency Treatment

Immediate First Aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valvle 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 vomoting 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. /Bromine, methyl bromide, and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 449
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. 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 normal saline 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 dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Bromine, methyl bromide, and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 450
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider vasopressors to treat hypotension without signs of hypovolemia (refer to shock protocol in Section Three). Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Bromine, methyl bromide, and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 450

13.1.18 Medical Surveillance

The following medical procedures should be made available to each employee who is exposed to ethylene dibromide at potentially hazardous levels. Initial medical examination: A complete history and physical examination: The purpose is to detect existing conditions that might place the exposed employee at increased risk, and to establish a baseline for future health monitoring. Examination of the nervous and respiratory systems, heart, liver, and kidneys should be stressed. The skin should be examined for evidence of chronic disorders. A 14" by 17" chest roentgenogram: Ethylene dibromide causes human lung damage. Surveillance of the lung is indicated. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume (1 sec): Ethylene dibromide is a respiratory irritant. ... Liver function tests: Ethylene dibromide may cause liver damage. A profile of liver function should be obtained by utilizing a medically acceptable array of biochemical tests. Cardiac /function/: ... An electrocardiogram should be performed on workers over 40 years of age and where indicated. Skin: Ethylene dibromide is a defatting agent and can cause dermatitis. Periodic Medical Examination: The aforementioned examinations should be repeated on an annual basis.
Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Whenever medical surveillance is indicated, in particular when exposure to a carcinogen has occurred, ad hoc decisions should be taken concerning ... /cytogenetic and/or other/ tests that might become useful or mandatory. /Chemical Carcinogens/
Montesano, R., H. Bartsch, E.Boyland, G. Della Porta, L. Fishbein, R. A. Griesemer, A.B. Swan, L. Tomatis, and W. Davis (eds.). Handling Chemical Carcinogens in the Laboratory: Problems of Safety. IARC Scientific Publications No. 33. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1979., p. 23
Due to the documented chemically induced testicular damage and antispermatogenic effects of ethylene dibromide in males, semen analysis may be important for assessing toxicity from exposure.
Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry, S.S. Leffingwell (eds.) Toxicology Desk Reference 5th ed. Volumes 1-2. Taylor & Francis Philadelphia, PA. 2000, p. 641
Renal Function Tests /include/ ... Urine Albumin ... Urinary Beta-2-Microglobulin and/or Retinal Binding Protein (RBP) ... Urinary Alpha and Pi Isoenzymes of Glutathione S-Transferase ... Urinary Enzyme N-Acetylglucosaminidase ... /and/ Routine Urinalysis.
Ryan, R.P., C.E. Terry, S.S. Leffingwell (eds.) Toxicology Desk Reference 5th ed. Volumes 1-2. Taylor & Francis Philadelphia, PA. 2000, p. 642
For more Medical Surveillance (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.19 Human Toxicity Excerpts

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Liq on skin causes blisters if evaporation is delayed. Inhalation causes delayed pulmonary lesions. Drowsiness occurs ... death appears to be due to resp or circulatory failure, complicated by pulmonary edema. Fatal acute intoxications are rare since fume concn great enough to cause serious illness in short exposures have a definite and sickening odor ... .
Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984., p. II-162
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Damage to the eyes; /with a/ potential for reproductive abnormalities.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V13 267 (1981)
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ In human beings, /ethylene dibromide produces/ moderate depression of the CNS & pulmonary congestion after exposure by inhalation, & /it causes/ acute GI distress & pulmonary edema after ingestion.
Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B. Molinoff, R.W. Ruddon, A.G. Goodman (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996., p. 1689
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Acute dermal exposure produces painful local inflammation, swelling, & blistering.
Sullivan, J.B. Jr., G.R. Krieger (eds.). Hazardous Materials Toxicology-Clinical Principles of Environmental Health. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins, 1992., p. 1057
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (22 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.20 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Three dogs exposed for 1 to 1.5 hr to vapor of 1 to 5 cc of 1,2-dibromoethane in 1,000 L of air developed clouding of corneas several hours after removal from exposure chamber.
Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1986., p. 316
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Minimum lethal concn for rats in 8 hr exposure was 200 ppm for ethylene dibromide and 5000 ppm for carbon tetrachloride; the highest concn not producing detectable injury in 8 hr was 50 ppm for both substances.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs with Other World Wide Occupational Exposure Values. 7th Ed. CD-ROM Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634 2013.
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Toxicities of ethylene dichloride, carbon tetrachloride and ethylene dibromide, ingredients of various fumigant mixt /were compared/. /Orally/ ... ethylene dibromide ... most toxic of three. It was more harmful than carbon tetrachloride in inhalation exposures of less than 7 hr but equally toxic for 7 hr and repeated exposures.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs with Other World Wide Occupational Exposure Values. 7th Ed. CD-ROM Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634 2013.
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Dermal applications, if confined, will cause severe burning of the skin.
Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK: The British Crop Protection Council, 1994., p. 416
For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (59 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.21 Non-Human Toxicity Values

LD50 Rat dermal 300 mg/kg
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 1660
LD50 Mouse ip 220 mg/kg
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 1660
LD50 Rat oral 108 mg/kg
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 1660
LC50 Rat inhalation 14,300 mg/cu m/30 min
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 1660
For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.22 Ongoing Test Status

EPA has released the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of March 27, 2018: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]
The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Status of Agents Search page, which tabulates the results and current status of tests such as "Short-Term Toxicity Studies", "Long-term Carcinogenicity Studies", "Developmental Studies", "Genetic Toxicology Studies", etc., performed with this chemical. Testing status for ethylene dibromide is available.[Available from, as of March 27, 2018: https://ntpsearch.niehs.nih.gov/?e=True&ContentType=Testing+Status]

13.1.23 National Toxicology Program Studies

A bioassay for possible carcinogenicity of technical grade 1,2-dibromoethane was conducted using Osborne-Mendel rats and B6C3F1 mice. 1,2-Dibromoethane in corn oil was administered by gavage, at either of two dosages, to groups of 50 male and 50 female animals of each species. The time weighted avg high and low doses of 1,2-dibromoethane used in the chronic bioassay were, respectively, 41 and 38 mg/kg/day for male rats, 39 and 37 mg/kg/day for female rats and 107 and 62 mg/kg/day for mice of both sexes. For each species 20 animals of each sex were placed on test as vehicle controls. These animals were gavaged with corn oil with the same frequency that dosed animals were gavaged with 1,2-dibromoethane mixtures. Twenty animals of each sex were placed on test as untreated controls for each species. These animals were not intubated. ... Under the conditions of this bioassay 1,2-dibromoethane was carcinogenic to Osborne-Mendel rats and B6C3F1 mice. The cmpd induced squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach in rats of both sexes, hepatocellular carcinomas in female rats, and hemangiosarcomas in male rats. In mice of both sexes, the cmpd induced squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach and alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas. Levels of Evidence of Carcinogenicity: Male Rats: Positive; Female Rats: Positive; Male Mice: Positive; Female Mice: Positive.
Bioassay of 1,2-Dibromoethane for Possible Carcinogenicity (1978) Technical Rpt Series No. 86 DHEW Pub No. (NIH) 78-1336, U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20014
A carcinogenesis bioassay of 1,2-dibromoethane ... was conducted by exposing groups of 50 F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice of each sex by inhalation to concn of 10 or 40 ppm of the 1,2-dibromoethane for 78-103 wk. Untreated controls consisted of 50 rats and 50 mice of each sex exposed in chambers to ambient air. ... Under the conditions of this bioassay, 1,2-dibromoethane was carcinogenic for F344 rats, causing incr incidences of carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, adenomas of the nasal cavity, and hemangiosarcomas of the circulatory system in males and females, mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis and adenomatous polyps of the nasal cavity in males, and fibroadenomas of the mammary gland and alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas and carcinomas (combined) in females. 1,2-Dibromoethane was carcinogenic for B6C3F1 mice, causing alveolar/bronchiolar carcinomas and alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas in males and females; and hemangiosarcomas of the circulatory system, fibrosarcomas in the subcutaneous tissue, carcinomas of the nasal cavity, and adenocarcinomas of the mammary gland in females.
Carcinogenesis Studies of 1,2-Dibromoethane Technical Rpt Series 210 (1982) NIH Pub # 82-1766 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

13.1.24 Populations at Special Risk

... /Individuals/ ... with diseases of liver and kidney.
ITII. Toxic and Hazarous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual. Tokyo, Japan: The International Technical Information Institute, 1982., p. 229
Individuals /who may be at risk from/ exposure to ethylene dibromide include those with impaired pulmonary function; individuals with liver, skin, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases. /Pregnant women may also be at increased risk from exposure to ethylene dibromide/.
Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981., p. 1

13.2 Ecological Information

13.2.1 Ecotoxicity Values

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age 5 day neonate; Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 20000 ug/L for 60 min; Effect: biochemistry, decreased fluorescence
Rogers KR et al; Anal Chim Acta 543 (1/2): 229-35 (2005) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of April 9, 2018
LC50; Species: Ceriodaphnia dubia (Water Flea) age < or =24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C; Concentration: 3610 ug/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 3260-3990 ug/L)
Kszos LA et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 45 (1): 66-71 (2003) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of April 9, 2018
LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age < or =24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C; Concentration: 6500 ug/L for 48 hr
Kszos LA et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 45 (1): 66-71 (2003) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of April 9, 2018
LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead Minnow) age 5 days; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 25 °C; Concentration: 4300 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 4010-4620 ug/L)
Kszos LA et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 45 (1): 66-71 (2003) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of April 9, 2018
LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus; Concentration: 18 mg/L for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data of Organic Chemicals. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1983., p. 637

13.2.2 Ecotoxicity Excerpts

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Ethylene dibromide (1,2-dibromoethane or EDB) was primarily used in the United States as an additive in leaded gasoline and as a soil and grain fumigant for worm and insect control until it was banned in 1983. Historical releases of EDB have resulted in detectable EDB in groundwater and drinking wells, and recently concentrations up to 16 ug/L were detected in ground water at two fuel spill plumes in the vicinity of the Massachusetts Military Reservation Base on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Because the ground water in this area is used to flood cranberry bogs for the purposes of harvesting, the U.S. Air Force sponsored the development of aquatic screening benchmarks for EDB. Acute toxicity tests with Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow), Daphnia magna, and Ceriodaphnia dubia were conducted to provide data needed for development of screening benchmarks. Using a closed test-system to prevent volatilization of EDB, the 48-hr LC50S (concentration that kills 50% of the test organisms) for P. promelas, D. magna, and C. dubia were 4.3 mg/L, 6.5 mg/L, and 3.6 mg/L, respectively. The screening benchmark for aquatic organisms, derived as the Tier II chronic water quality criteria, is 0.031 mg EDB/L. The sediment screening benchmark, based on equilibrium partitioning, is 2.45 mg EDB/kg of organic carbon in the sediment. The screening benchmarks developed here are an important component of an ecological risk assessment, during which perhaps hundreds of chemicals must be evaluated for their potential to cause ecological harm.
Kszos LA et al; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 45 (1): 66-71 (2003)
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ As part of a larger study investigating the fate and effects of brominated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in contaminated groundwaters discharging to surface waters, the toxicity of 1,2 dibromoethene (DBE) and 1,1,2-tribromoethene (TriBE) to freshwater aquatic biota was investigated. Their toxicity to bacteria (Microtox(R)), microalgae (Chlorella sp.), cladocerans (Ceriodaphnia dubia), duckweed (Lemna sp.) and midges (Chironomus tepperi) was determined after careful optimization of the test conditions to minimize chemical losses throughout the tests. In addition, concentrations of DBE and TriBE were carefully monitored throughout the bioassays to ensure accurate calculation of toxicity values. 1,2-Dibromoethene showed low toxicity to most species, with concentrations to cause 50% lethality or effect (LC/EC50 values) ranging from 28 to 420 mg/L, 10% lethality or effect (LC/EC10 values) ranging from 18 to 94 mg/L and no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) ranging from 22 to 82 mg/L. 1,1,2-Tribromoethene was more toxic than DBE, with LC/EC50 values of 2.4 to 18 mg/L, LC/EC10 values of 0.94 to 11 mg/L and NOECs of 0.29 to 13 mg/L. Using these limited data, together with data from the only other published study on TriBE, moderate-reliability water quality guidelines (WQGs) were estimated from species sensitivity distributions. The proposed guideline trigger values for 95% species protection with 50% confidence were 2 mg/L for DBE and 0.03 mg/L for TriBE. The maximum concentrations of DBE and TriBE in nearby surface waters (3 and 1 ug/L, respectively) were well below these WQGs, so the risk to the freshwater environment receiving contaminated groundwater inflows was considered to be low, with hazard quotients <1 for both VOCs.
Binet MT et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 29 (9): 1984-93 (2010)
/PLANTS/ Phytotoxic for green plants and germinating seed.
Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK: The British Crop Protection Council, 1994., p. 416

13.2.3 US EPA Regional Screening Levels for Chemical Contaminants

Resident Soil (mg/kg)
3.60e-02
Industrial Soil (mg/kg)
1.60e-01
Resident Air (ug/m3)
4.70e-03
Industrial Air (ug/m3)
2.00e-02
Tapwater (ug/L)
7.50e-03
MCL (ug/L)
5.00e-02
Risk-based SSL (mg/kg)
2.1e-06
MCL-based SSL (mg/kg)
1.4e-05
Oral Slope Factor (mg/kg-day)-1
2.00e+00
Inhalation Unit Risk (ug/m3)-1
6.00e-04
Chronic Oral Reference Dose (mg/kg-day)
9.00e-03
Chronic Inhalation Reference Concentration (mg/m3)
9.00e-03
Volatile
Volatile
Mutagen
Mutagen
Fraction of Contaminant Absorbed in Gastrointestinal Tract
1
Soil Saturation Concentration (mg/kg)
1.34e+03

13.2.4 US EPA Regional Removal Management Levels for Chemical Contaminants

Resident Soil (mg/kg)
3.60e+00
Industrial Soil (mg/kg)
1.60e+01
Resident Air (ug/m3)
4.70e-01
Industrial Air (ug/m3)
2.00e+00
Tapwater (ug/L)
7.50e-01
MCL (ug/L)
5.00e-02
Oral Slope Factor (mg/kg-day)-1
2.00e+00
Inhalation Unit Risk (ug/m3)-1
6.00e-04
Chronic Oral Reference Dose (mg/kg-day)
9.00e-03
Chronic Inhalation Reference Concentration (mg/m3)
9.00e-03
Volatile
Volatile
Mutagen
Mutagen
Fraction of Contaminant Absorbed in Gastrointestinal Tract
1
Soil Saturation Concentration (mg/kg)
1.34e+03

13.2.5 ICSC Environmental Data

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

13.2.6 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

Ethylene dibromide's production and use as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis, as a specialty and general solvent, in waterproofing preparations and as a gauge fluid may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Ethylene dibromide's former uses as a pesticide and antiknock agent in gasoline resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC). Monitoring of ethylene dibromide in ocean water and ocean air suggests that ethylene dibromide may be formed naturally in the ocean as a result of macro algae growth. Phaeophyta (brown algae) are known to produce ethylene dibromide at 20-30 ng/g wet algal weight per day. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 11.2 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates ethylene dibromide will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethylene dibromide will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 64 days. Ethylene dibromide does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, ethylene dibromide is expected to have high to very high mobility based upon Koc values ranging from 14 to 160. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.50X10-4 atm-cu m/mole. Ethylene dibromide is expected volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation is expected to be an important fate process. Biotransformation lifetimes in soil can be as short as several days in surface soils and as long as many months in aquifer materials. In one laboratory screening study using 100 soils, half-lives ranged from 1.5 to 18 weeks. The field dissipation half-life has been reported to range from 28-180 days. If released into water, ethylene dibromide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values. Microbial degradation rates in water can vary greatly with observed half-lives ranging from roughly a week to 350 days. 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 5.9 hours and 6.0 days, respectively. BCFs ranging from <1 to 14.9 suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Ethylene dibromide hydrolyzes very slowly in pure water with half-life of 6.4 years at 25 °C. However hydrolysis catalyzed by the presence of various natural substances (such as hydrogen sulfide ion, half-life in 1-2 months) may have some importance as a degradation mechanism. Occupational exposure to ethylene dibromide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethylene dibromide is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to ethylene dibromide via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of drinking water. (SRC)

13.2.7 Natural Pollution Sources

Monitoring of ethylene dibromide in ocean water and ocean air suggests that ethylene dibromide may be formed naturally in the ocean as a result of macro algae growth(1,2); various types of macro algae were found to contain dibromomethane and bromoethane, although ethylene dibromide (dibromoethane) was not specifically identified in frozen samples(1). The release of ethylene dibromide by polar algae (brown, red and green) was investigated at 0 °C under a laboratory setting(3). Phaeophyta (brown algae) produced ethylene dibromide at 20-30 ng/g wet algal weight per day while red and green algae produced negligible amounts(3).
(1) Class TH, Ballschmiter K; J Atmos Chem 6: 35-46 (1988)
(2) USEPA; Toxicological Review of 1,2-Dibromoethane (CAS No. 106-93-4), EPA 635/R-04/067 (2004); Available from, as of April 4, 2018: https://www.epa.gov/iris
(3) Laturnus F; Chemosphere 31: 3387-95 (1995)

13.2.8 Artificial Pollution Sources

Ethylene dibromide's production and use as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis, as a specialty and general solvent, in waterproofing preparations and as a gauge fluid(1,2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Ethylene dibromide is used as a chemical intermediate for producing pharmaceuticals, herbicides and dyes(3). It is used as a nonflammable solvent for resins, gums and waxes(3). The largest single application of ethylene dibromide was its former use in leaded gasolines as an antiknock agent, but this use declined dramatically starting in 1974 due to regulation of lead content in gasoline by the EPA(3). The second-largest traditional use of ethylene dibromide was an insect fumigant and soil nematocide; however, in 1983, the EPA banned this use in most agricultural applications(3). Ethylene dibromide's former use as a pesticide resulted in its direct release to the environment(SRC).
(1) Larranaga MD et al; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 16th ed., Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 583 (2016)
(2) Reid JB; Saturated Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Two to Four Carbons. Patty's Toxicology. 6th ed. (1999-2018). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. On-line Posting Date: 17 Aug 2012.
(3) Ioffe D, Frim R; Bromine, Organic Compounds. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2018). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: 15 Jul 2011
Evaporative losses of ethylene dibromide are associated with the use, storage, and transport of leaded gasoline in which it was used as a lead scavenger(1,2). These sources include spills and leaking storage tanks for leaded gasoline and exhaust from vehicles using leaded gasoline(1,2). At sites impacted in the past by petroleum fuel releases of fuels containing ethylene dibromide, vapor releases of ethylene dibromide to the surrounding ambient air may still occur(3).
(1) Fishbein L; Sci Total Environ 11: 223-57 (1979)
(2) Verschueren K; Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 2nd ed. NY, NY: Von Nostrand Reinhold Co pp. 635-7 (1983)
(3) Ma J et al; Environ Pollut 213: 825-832 (2016)
Ethylene dibromide is generally present in the air in the USA ... Levels near groups of /gasoline/ stations and along well-travelled highways were around 11 ug/cu m.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V15 198 (1977)

13.2.9 Environmental Fate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 14-160(2,3) indicate that ethylene dibromide is expected to have high to very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of ethylene dibromide from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 6.50X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(2). Ethylene dibromide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 11.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Biodegradation can be a primary degradation process in soil(2,5). A review of biodegradation data pertaining to ethylene dibromide concluded that ethylene dibromide can be biotransformed fairly readily in the environment(5); lifetimes can be as short as several days in surface soils and as long as many months in aquifer materials(5). Persistence can vary greatly from soil to soil. In one laboratory screening study using 100 soils, half-lives ranging from 1.5 to 18 weeks were determined(6). In one field, ethylene dibromide was detected in soil 19 years after its last known application(7); the long persistence was the result of entrapment in intraparticle micropores of the soil(7). The field dissipation half-life of ethylene dibromide has been reported to range from 28-180 days(8).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) Rathbun RE; U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1589: 1-151 (1998)
(3) Falta RW; Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation 24: 76-87 (2004)
(4) Call F; J Sci Food Agric 8: 81-5 (1957)
(5) Pignatello JJ, Cohen SZ; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 112: 2-46 (1990)
(6) Cohen SZ et al; ACS Symp Ser 259: 297-325 (1984)
(7) Steinberg SM et al; Environ Sci Technol 21: 1201-8 (1987)
(8) USDA; Agric Res Service. ARS Pesticide Properties Database. Last Updated Nov 2, 2016. Ethylene Dibromide (106-93-4). Available from, as of April 3, 2018: https://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=14199
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 14-160(2), indicate that ethylene dibromide 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 6.50X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(2). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 5.9 hrs and 6.0 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(4), BCFs ranging from <1 to 14.9 (5,6), suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Degradation screening studies have demonstrated that ethylene dibromide is predominately biodegraded in aquatic conditions via comparison of sterile versus non-sterile conditions(7,8). Degradation rates can vary greatly. Three day die-away tests using Japanese river and seawater observed moderate degradation (21-35% degradation)(9). Microbial degradation in microcosms using shallow aquifer material and groundwater found ethylene dibromide degraded aerobically in all samples with half-lives ranging from 35-350 days(10). Biodegradation in a methanogenic aquifer at 17 °C (and 194 ug/L) had a half-life of two weeks with bromoethanol was detected as a metabolite(11). Ethylene dibromide hydrolyzes very slowly in pure water with half-life of 6.4 years at 25 °C(12). However hydrolysis catalyzed by the presence of various natural substances (such as hydrogen sulfide ion, half-life in 1-2 months) may have some importance as a degradation mechanism(13).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) Rathbun RE; U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1589: 1-151 (1998)
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(4) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(5) Kawasaki M; Ecotox Environ Safety 4: 444-54 (1980)
(6) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(7) Bouwer EJ, McCarty PL; Appl Environ Microbiol 50: 527-8 (1985)
(8) Wilson BH et al; Environ Sci Technol 20: 997-1002 (1986)
(9) Kondo M et al; Eisei Kagaku 34: 188-95 (1988)
(10) Pignatello JJ, Cohen SZ; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 112: 2-46 (1990)
(11) Verschueren K; Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co, p. 956 (1996)
(12) Jeffers PM, Wolfe NL; Environ Toxicol Chem 15: 1066-1070 (1996)
(13) Barbash JE, Reinhard M; Environ Sci Technol 23: 1349-58 (1989)
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethylene dibromide, which has a vapor pressure of 11.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2) is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethylene dibromide 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 64 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.50X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). The transformation products from the reaction of ethylene dibromide with hydroxyl radical in the atmosphere includes formaldehyde, bromoethanol, hydrogen bromide, and formyl bromide(4). Ethylene dibromide does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). It did not directly photolyze when exposed to UV light between 300 and 400 nm(6).
(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988)
(2) Call F; J Sci Food Agric 8: 81-5 (1957)
(3) Atkinson R; J Phys Chem Ref Data. Monograph 1 (1989)
(4) Spicer CW et al; Literature Review of Atmospheric Transformation Products of Clean Air Act. Title 3 Hazardous Air Pollutants. USEPA/600/R-94/088. RTI (1993)
(5) Keller-Rudek H et al; The MPI-Mainz UV/VIS spectral atlas of gaseous molecules of atmospheric interest, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 5, 365-373, (2013), DOI: 10.5194/essd-5-365-2013
(6) Ollis DF; Environ Sci Technol 19: 480-4 (1985)

13.2.10 Environmental Biodegradation

Ethylene dibromide degraded readily in primary sewage sludge suspensions under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions(1); under aerobic conditions, degradation occurred within days, while under anaerobic conditions, degradation took 5-6 weeks(1). In three day die-away tests using Japanese river and seawater, ethylene dibromide was observed to have moderate degradation (21-35% degradation)(2). Low concentrations of ethylene dibromide (<100 ug/L) were biotransformed completely within 2 weeks by a reductive dehalogenation under methanogenic conditions in a continuous-flow column(3); sterile controls showed that some abiotic degradation was also occurring, but microbial degradation was dominant(3). In a microcosm study simulating methanogenic conditions found in aquifer material, ethylene dibromide was found to biodegrade relatively rapidly(4); after 16 weeks of incubation, greater than 99% of initial ethylene dibromide was transformed(4); in sterile controls, only 20% was transformed after 40 weeks(4). Biodegradation of low concentrations of ethylene dibromide in groundwater microcosms was enhanced by addition of phenol(5).
(1) Jex GW et al; Microbial and Chemical Degradation of 1,2-Dibromoethane in the Environment. ACS 190th Natl Mtg. Agrochemicals. Paper No. 36 (1985)
(2) Kondo M et al; Eisei Kagaku 34: 188-95 (1988)
(3) Bouwer EJ, McCarty PL; Appl Environ Microbiol 50: 527-8 (1985)
(4) Wilson BH et al; Environ Sci Technol 20: 997-1002 (1986)
(5) Baek K et al; Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 98(3): 1329-1338 (2014)
AEROBIC: Microbial degradation of ethylene dibromide was examined in microcosms using shallow aquifer material and groundwater(1); ethylene dibromide degraded aerobically in all samples with half-lives ranging from 35-350 days(1); degradation in autoclaved controls was very small in comparison to non-sterile tests(1). A review of available biodegradation data pertaining to ethylene bromide concluded that ethylene dibromide is biotransformed fairly readily in the environment(2); lifetimes can be as short as several days in surface soils and as long as many months in aquifer materials(2). In about two months, ethylene dibromide was converted almost completely and quantitatively to ethylene in a soil culture at an initial concentration of 188 g/L ethylene dibromide(3). Disappearance in soil at 100 mg/kg and 20 °C under aerobic laboratory conditions: half-life =< 2.0 days(3). Ethylene dibromide, present at 100 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test; however, degradation determination was affected by major removal via volatilization(4). Using a closed-bottle protocol with a non-adapted activated sludge inoculum, ethylene dibromide (at 15 mg/L) was found to be not readily biodegradable with only 4.2% degradation after 28 days of incubation(5).
(1) Pignatello JJ; J Environ Qual 16: 307-12 (1987)
(2) Pignatello JJ, Cohen SZ; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 112: 2-46 (1990)
(3) Verschueren K; Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co, p. 956 (1996)
(4) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(5) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. 1,2-Dibromoethane (106-93-4) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://echa.europa.eu/
ANAEROBIC: Biodegradation in a methanogenic aquifer at 17 °C and initial concentration of 194 ug/L: half-life = two weeks; bromoethanol was detected as a metabolite(1). Reductive dehalogenation in anoxic sediment with 6% organic carbon: half-life = 0.8 days at 22 °C. Based upon a pseudo first-order rate coefficient for microbial degradation under anaerobic conditions, ethylene dibromide is expected to have an anaerobic degradation half-life ranging from 2 to 15 days at 25 °C(2). Microcosms simulating contaminated groundwater sites in Clemson, South Carolina measured a first-order biodegradation rate of 9.4/year for ethylene dibromide under biostimulated conditions(3) with corresponds to a half-life of about 27 days(SRC).
(1) Verschueren K; Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. NY, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co, p. 956 (1996)
(2) Rathbun RE; U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1589: 1-151 (1998)
(3) Henderson JK et al; Environ Sci Technol 42(3): 864-870 (2008)

13.2.11 Environmental Abiotic Degradation

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of ethylene dibromide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 2.50X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 64 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). The neutral hydrolysis rate of ethylene dibromide was experimentally determined to be 2.1X10-7/minute at 25 °C which corresponds to a half-life of 6.4 years(3). Alkaline hydrolysis studies at 25 °C found the hydrolysis rate was determined by the neutral hydrolysis(3). An extrapolated hydrolysis half-life of 13.2 years was reported for ethylene dibromide at pH 7 and 20 °C(4). The aqueous hydrolysis rate is catalyzed by the presence of phosphate buffering agents(5); in pure distilled water at 25 °C and pH 7, the half-life is 6.0 yrs while in phosphate buffer the half-life falls to 2.0 yrs(5). The presence of naturally occurring sulfur species (HS ion) dramatically increases the aqueous hydrolysis rate from several years (in pure or buffered solution at 25 °C) to 37-70 days (in the presence of HS)(5). The UV absorption spectra of ethylene dibromide indicates it does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(6) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Ethylene dibromide did not directly photolyze when exposed to UV light between 300 and 400 nm(7).
(1) Atkinson R; J Phys Chem Ref Data. Monograph 1 (1989)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of March 30, 2018:
(3) Jeffers PM, Wolfe NL; Environ Toxicol Chem 15: 1066-1070 (1996) https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(4) Ehrenberg L et al; Rad Botany 15: 185-94 (1974)
(5) Barbash JE, Reinhard M; Environ Sci Technol 23: 1349-58 (1989)
(6) Keller-Rudek H et al; The MPI-Mainz UV/VIS spectral atlas of gaseous molecules of atmospheric interest, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 5, 365-373, (2013), DOI: 10.5194/essd-5-365-2013
(7) Ollis DF; Environ Sci Technol 19: 480-4 (1985)

13.2.12 Environmental Bioconcentration

A BCF range of <3.5 to 14.9 was measured in fish for ethylene dibromide(SRC) using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed over a 6-week period(1). A measured fish BCF of <1 has also been reported(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF range suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
(1) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(2) Kawasaki M; Ecotox Environ Safety 4: 444-54 (1980)
(3) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)

13.2.13 Soil Adsorption / Mobility

A review of five different experimental studies found the Koc of ethylene dibromide to range from 12 to 134 with an average Koc of 66(1). Another review reported the measured Koc of ethylene dibromide ranged from 14 to 160(2). A median experimental Koc of 58 has been reported for ethylene dibromide(3). An adsorption study in peat soil determined a Koc of 49(4). According to a classification scheme(5), these Koc values suggest that ethylene dibromide is expected to have very high to high mobility in soil.
(1) Falta RW; Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation 24: 76-87 (2004)
(2) Rathbun RE; U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1589: 1-151 (1998)
(3) Schuurmann G et al; Environ Sci Technol 40: 7005-7011 (2006); Supporting Information Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://pubs.acs.org/journals/esthag/
(4) Chiou CT, Kile DE; Environ Sci Technol 32: 338-343 (1998)
(5) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)

13.2.14 Volatilization from Water / Soil

The Henry's Law constant for ethylene dibromide was experimentally determined to be 6.50X10-4 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that ethylene dibromide 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 5.9 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 6 days. Experiments performed in a wind-wave tank yielded a half-life for evaporation of 4.26 hr from water 1 m deep with a wind speed of 8.6 m/sec(3). Ethylene bromide's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Ethylene dibromide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 11.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(4).
(1) Rathbun RE; U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1589: 1-151 (1998)
(2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(3) Mackay D, Yeun ATK; Environ Sci Technol 17: 211-7 (1983)
(4) Call F; J Sci Food Agric 8: 81-5 (1957)

13.2.15 Environmental Water Concentrations

GROUNDWATER: As part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the USGS, an assessment of 60 volatile organic compounds in untreated, ambient groundwater of the United States was conducted based on samples collected from 2,948 wells between 1985 and 1995(1). The samples represent urban and rural area drinking-water wells. Ethylene dibromide was not detected in any urban wells (n = 406) and was detected in 8 of 2,542 rural wells (0.3%) at a median concentration of 0.9 ug/L. From 1971 to 1991, groundwater monitoring studies were conducted by federal state and local governments throughout the US(2). Ethylene dibromide was detected above the MCL (maximum concentration limit (MCL) = 0.05 ug/L) in 2,918 wells out of 20,221 wells sampled and analyzed for this compound. In California, 1,638 wells were sampled from 1979-89 with 45 >MCL (concentrations ranging from 0.006-4.7 ug/L); in Connecticut, 2,392 wells were sampled in 1987 with 469 >MCL and 315 wells MCL and 411 wells MCL and 3 wells MCL and 13 wells MCL and 2 wells MCL and 11 wells MCL and 10 wells MCL and 2 wells
(1) Squillace PJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 33: 4176-4187 (1989)
(2) US EPA; Pesticides and Groundwater Database. A Compilation of Monitoring and Studies: 1971-1991 National Summary. US EPA Off Pest Prog. USEPA/734-12-92-001 (1992)
(3) Kloos H; Arch Environ Health 51: 291-9 (1996)
(4) Kolpin DW et al; Groundwater 38: 858-63 (2000)
(5) Lam RH et al; pp. 15-44 in Water Contamination and Health. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker (1994)
(6) Juhler RK, Felding G; Water, Air and Soil Pollution 149: 145-161 (2003)
GROUNDWATER: Over a four-year period (1988-92), 107 wells in Whatcom County, Washington state were analyzed for ethylene dibromide contamination(1). Ethylene dibromide levels exceeding the US EPA health advisory (0.02 ug/L) were found at 18 wells. At one study site, levels as high as 6.17 ug/L were observed (308 times the US EPA health advisory level). Researchers found that the concentration of ethylene dibromide varied throughout the year, principally due to precipitation events. While the initial ethylene dibromide level was 1.69 ug/L in one well, concentrations varied significantly during the 27-month study including a high of 2.29 ug/L and a low of 0.94 ug/L(1). High precipitation created a pulse of aquifer infiltration diluting groundwater concentrations of ethylene dibromide followed by ethylene dibromide infiltration from overlying soils which tended to re-establish prior concentrations. Groundwater monitoring studies conducted in the Central Valley of California from 1984-1990 were reviewed for ethylene dibromide detections(2). A review of the papers found that ethylene dibromide was detected in 29 of 709 wells sampled. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection analyzed groundwater from Sept 1st to Dec 31st 1996, in an area of 930 sq km within the Philadelphia Metropolitan region(3). A network of 78 shallow groundwater monitoring wells was installed to assess the quality of recently recharged groundwater in the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system. Ethylene dibromide was not detected at a detection limit of 0.036 ug/L(3). From July 1st 1994 to June 30th 1995, the Department of Pesticide Regulation in California analyzed well water throughout the state of California for pesticides(4). Out of 1607 wells sampled, ethylene dibromide was detected 15 times (concentration ranging from 0.01-0.11 ppb). It was detected in the following counties: 5 times in Fresno, 4 times in Kern, once in Los Angeles, once in Merced, 3 times in Riverside, and once in Tulare(4).
(1) Mayer JR et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 47: 368-73 (1991)
(2) Domagalski JL, Dubrovsky NM; Journal Hydrology 130: 299-338 (1992)
(3) Baehr AL et al; Water Resources Research 35: 127-36 (1999)
(4) California EPA; Sampling for Pesticide Residues in California Well Water. 1995 Update of the Well Inventory Database. California EPA, Dept Pest Reg, 10th Annual Report (1995)
DRINKING WATER: The concentration of ethylene dibromide in 3 drinking water wells in California and Hawaii ranged from 35-300 ppb(1). In the Netherlands, the maximum concentration of ethylene dibromide was 0.1 ppb(2). A study of 1926 rural private drinking water wells in the US during a time-frame of 1986-1999 found ethylene dibromide contamination in 0.19% of the wells(3). Tap water collected during 1997-1998 at Tres Rios Arizona (near Phoenix, AZ) had an ethylene dibromide concentration of 11 ug/L(4). Samples of untreated groundwater from 1255 domestic drinking-water wells and 242 public supply wells were analyzed as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the US Geological Survey between 1992 and 1999; ethylene dibromide concentration exceeded 0.05 u/L in 3 samples(5). The US EPA analyzed drinking water data from more than 20,000 public drinking water systems in a 16-state national cross section (serving more than 110 million people) and ethylene dibromide was detected above the EPA MCL (maximum contaminant level of 0.05 ug/L) in 0.72% of the systems(3).
(1) Burmaster DE; Environ 24: 6-13, 33-36 (1982)
(2) Kraybill HF; Annals NY Acad Sci 298: 80-9 (1977)
(3) Falta RW; Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation. 24: 76-87 (2004)
(4) Rostad CE et al; Environ Sci Technol 34: 2703-2710 (2000)
(5) Squillace PJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 36: 1923-1930 (2002)
SURFACE WATER: The concentration of ethylene dibromide in a stream near an oil refining and manufacturing facility ranged from 1.05-1.13 ppb(1). The concentration of ethylene dibromide in 14 heavily industrialized river basins in the US was >1 ppb for 2 of 204 sites(2).
(1) Going J, Long S; Sampling and Analusis of Selected Toxic Substances Task II - Ethylene Dibromide. Final Report. Washington, DC: USEPA-560/6-75-001 p. 39 (1975)
(2) Ewing BB et al; Monitoring to Detect Previously Unrecognized Pollutants in Surface Waters. Washington, DC: USEPA-560/6-77-015, Appendix USEPA-560/6-77015a p. 75 (1977)
For more Environmental Water Concentrations (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.2.16 Effluent Concentrations

Oil refinery effluent contained < 0.2 ppb ethylene dibromide; runoff water from area with several gasoline stations contained < 0.2 ppb ethylene dibromide(1); runoff from a fumigation center contained 2 ppb ethylene dibromide(1). An estimated total of 149,854, 1,034, and 1,702 pounds of ethylene dibromide was released to the atmosphere, water, and soil, respectively, from manufacturing and processing facilities in the United States in 1987(2).
(1) Federal Register; Ethylene Dibromide Position Document I. Dec 14, 1977. 42FR63136-61
(2) ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service (1992). Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp

13.2.17 Sediment / Soil Concentrations

SOIL: No detectable residues of ethylene dibromide were found in soil or dustfall at bulk gasoline handling facilities in New Jersey and Oklahoma. Minimum detectable quantity was 10-15 ng/sample. Nanogram per gram levels were found in the soil at two citrus fumigation centers in Florida where the dustfall ranged from 6-363 picograms per square centimeter per hr(1).
(1) Federal Register; Ethylene Dibromide Position Document I. Dec 14, 1977. 42FR63136-61
SEDIMENT: Volatile organic compounds were analyzed in 8 sediment samples taken from the following Japanese rivers: Tainai, Niigata East Port, Agano, Shinano, Sekiya Floodway, Hokura, Seki, and Oumi(1). Ethylene dibromide was not detected in any of the sediment samples taken.
(1) Kawata K et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 58: 893-900 (1997)

13.2.18 Atmospheric Concentrations

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Sampling conducted during August 1985 in regions of the north and south Atlantic Ocean found ethylene dibromide concentrations of <0.001 to 0.003 ng/L(1). The atmospheric background concentration of ethylene dibromide has been reported to be 0.004-0.011 ppb(2,3). At 676 sites in US, the mean concentration of ethylene dibromide was 26 parts per trillion median (range, 0-130 parts per trillion)(4).
(1) Class TH, Ballschmiter K; J Atmos Chem 6: 35-46 (1988)
(2) Berg WW et al; Geophys Lett 11: 429-32 (1984)
(3) Altshuller AP; Adv Environ Sci Technol 10: 181-219 (1979)
(4) Brodzinsky R, Singh HB; Volatile Organic Chemical in the Atmosphere: An Assessment of Available Data. pp. 15.1-15.34 SRI contract 68-02-3452 (1982)
URBAN/SUBURBAN: The estimated US national average concentration of ethylene dibromide in air sampled in 1990 was 0.0077 ug/cu m(1). Toxic air contaminants were measured near a busy highway in downtown Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 3/20/96 to 4/16/97 and ethylene dibromide was not detected at a detection limit of 0.1 ppb(2). Volatile organic compound levels in breath, personal air and fixed-site (indoor and outdoor) air were sampled in 1987 and compared for a sample of 50 individuals in the Los Angeles area of California(3). Although ethylene dibromide was not detected in breath, personal air or kitchen air samples, it was detected in 11 of 459 outdoor air samples (detection limit = 0.22 ug/cu m). A critical review of Chemical Abstract files from 1967 to November 1992, National Technical Information Service files from 1964 through November 1992, and other sources of information including review articles, reference books, technical journals and the National Ambient VOC Database indicated that ethylene dibromide was not detected at 65 different urban locations in 2,201 air samples(4). The concentration of ethylene dibromide ranged from 0.001-0.17 ug/cu m in London, England and was as high as 1.2-1.8 ug/cu m on a garage forecourt(5). Outdoor air sampled at 75 residence houses in Ottawa, Canada during the winter of 2002/2003 did not detect ethylene dibromide (detection limit of 0.02 ug/cu m)(6).
(1) Woodruff TJ et al; Environ Health Persp 106: 245-251 (1998)
(2) Grosjean E et al; Environ Sci Tech 33: 1970-78 (1999)
(3) Hartwell TD et al; Atmos Environ 26A: 1519-27 (1992)
(4) Kelly TJ et al; Environ Sci Tech 28: 378-87 (1994)
(5) Leinster P et al; Atmos Envir 12: 2383-7 (1978)
(6) Zhu J et al; Environ Sci Technol 39: 3964-3971 (2005)
INDOOR: Volatile organic compound levels in breath, personal air and fixed-site (indoor and outdoor) air were sampled in 1987 and compared for a sample of 50 individuals in the Los Angeles area of California(1). Ethylene dibromide was not detected in breath, personal air, or kitchen air samples (detection limit = 0.22 ug/cu m). Indoor air sampled at 75 residence houses in Ottawa, Canada during the winter of 2002/2003 did not detect ethylene dibromide (detection limit of 0.02 ug/cu m)(2).
(1) Hartwell TD et al; Atmos Environ 26A: 1519-27 (1992)
(2) Zhu J et al; Environ Sci Technol 39: 3964-3971 (2005)
RURAL/REMOTE: At 12 sites in US, the mean concentration of ethylene dibromide was 0 parts per trillion with 25% of samples >3.8 parts per trillion; 9 parts per trillion was the maximum concentration reported(1).
(1) Brodzinsky R, Singh HB; Volatile Organic Chemical in the Atmosphere: An Assessment of Available Data. pp. 15.1-15.34 SRI contract 68-02-3452 (1982)
SOURCE DOMINATED: In the US, the concentration of ethylene dibromide at 242 sites ranged from 0-31,000 parts per trillion (190 parts per trillion median)(1); the Lipari and BFI landfills in New Jersey had concentartions of ethylene dibromide at 0-770 parts per trillion and 350 parts per trillion (avg), respectively(2); manufacturing sites in US had concentrations of ethylene dibromide ranging from 300-15,000 parts per trillion; urban locations near gas stations and highways had concentrations of ethylene dibromide ranging from 9-14 parts per trillion, and a oil refinery had concentrations of ethylene dibromide ranging from 29-210 parts per trillion(3). Levels of ethylene dibromide near groups of petroleum stations and along well traveled highways were around 11 ug/cu m. It has been found in concentration of ethylene dibromide of up to 96 ug/cu m up to mile away from US Dept of Agriculture fumigation center(4). Measurements were made of 1,2-dibromoethane vapor released from oranges that had been fumigated on laboratory scale (0.25 carton) on a large scale (400 cartons)(5). The decay of the outgassing rate over time was approximately first order(5). Outgassing was significantly slowed by reducing either the temperature or the air ventilation rate(5). Absorption of ethylene dibromide by the cardboard packing material reduced the amount absorbed by the oranges but did not otherwise affect outgassing behavior(5). Air concentrations of ethylene dibromide in ventilated containers dropped from several ppm immediately after fumigation to a few ppb after 5-10 days(5); levels remained between 2 and 3 ppm for 15-20 days during unventilated, refrigerated storage(5).
(1) Brodzinsky R, Singh HB; Volatile Organic Chemical in the Atmosphere: An Assessment of Available Data. pp. 15.1-15.34 SRI contract 68-02-3452 (1982)
(2) Bozzelli JW et al; Analysis of Selected Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances in Ambient Air in New Jersey. State of New Jersey Dept Environ Prot (1980)
(3) Going J, Long S; Sampling and Analysis of Selected Toxic Substances Task II - Ethylene Dibromide. Final Report. p. 39 USEPA-560/6-75-001 (1975)
(4) IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Some Fumigants, the Herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, Chlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Miscellaneous Industrial Chemicals. Volume 15: 195-209 (1977). Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php
(5) Rappaport SM et al; J Agric Food Chem 32: 1112-6 (1984)

13.2.19 Food Survey Values

The maximum concentrations of ethylene dibromide in edible portions of fruit were the following: grapefruit - not detected above the detection limit of 0.326 ppm; limes - not detected above the detection limit of 0.01 ppm; papaya - not detected above the detection limit of 0.102 ppm; mangos 0.001-0.27 ppm; oranges - not detected above the detection limit of 0.24 ppm(1).
Maddy KT et al; Recent Studies and Eval by the Calif Dept of Food and Agric on EDB with Emphasis of Use in Fumigation of Fruit, Calif Dept Food Agric Report HS-956 (1982)
Apples: after fumigation with 12 or 24 mg/l ethylene dibromide at 13 °C for 4 hr and stored at this temperature: 36 and 75 ppm after 1 day, 1.2 and 1.6 ppm after 6 days(1). Fumigated oats used as chicken feed contained 10-15 ppm several weeks after fumigation(2). Citrus fruits 4 days post fumigation contained 1-43 ppm in the peel, 0.4-2.4 ppm in the pulp with the residue dependent on the rate and duration of fumigation and temperature and length of post-fumigation aeration(2). After a 10-day fumigation of wheat followed by a 2-4 or 10-12 week aeration period, residues found were 5-30 ppm in the whole wheat which resulted in 2-4 ppm in the flour milled from it, 18-23 ppm in the shorts and bran, 0.002-0.04 ppm in white bread, whole meal bread 0.006-0.026 ppm with the lower values corresponding to the longer aeration period(2). In commercially fumigated wheat 3.26 ppm was found 1 week post-fumigation and 1.36 ppm after 7 weeks with residues in flour of 0.01 to 0.29 ppm, bran from 0-0.40 ppm, middlings 0-0.30 ppm(2). No ethylene dibromide residue were found in bread baked with the flour(2).
(1) IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Some Fumigants, the Herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, Chlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Miscellaneous Industrial Chemicals. Volume 15: 195-209 (1977). Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php
(2) Federal Register; Ethylene Dibromide Position Document I. Dec 14, 1977. 42FR63136-61
Volatile organic compounds were analyzed in 234 table-ready foods from the FDA Total Diet Program (including lasagna, tuna noodle casserole, fast-food items, and 36 infant/toddler foods; excluding raw fruits and vegetables and alcolic beverages)(1). Ethylene dibromide was not detected in any food samples (limit of quantification = 6.42 ppb). A total of 24 whole grains, milled grain products, intermediate grain-based foods, and animal feeds contained ethylene dibromide levels up to 540 ppb (wheat)(2).
(1) Heikes DL et al; J Agric Food Chem 43: 2869-75 (1995)
(2) Heikes DL; J Assoc Off Anal Chem 68: 1108-11 (1985)

13.2.20 Plant Concentrations

No detectable residues of ethylene dibromide are found in plants grown in ethylene dibromide fumigated soils(1).
(1) Federal Register; Ethylene Dibromide Position Document I. Dec 14, 1977. 42FR63136-61

13.2.21 Probable Routes of Human Exposure

According to the 2016 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 2 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed during the manufacturing, processing, or use of ethylene dibromide in the United States may be as low as <10 workers; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).
(1) US EPA; Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). Non-confidential 2016 Chemical Data Reporting information on chemical production and use in the United Sates. Available from, as of April 3, 2018: https://chemview.epa.gov/chemview
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 8,559 workers (792 of these are female) were potentially exposed to ethylene dibromide in the US(1). Occupational exposure to ethylene dibromide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethylene dibromide is produced or used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to ethylene dibromide via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of drinking water(2). Exposure to ethylene dibromide in ambient air formerly occurred from its use of leaded gasoline with exposure highest in areas with heavy traffic and filling stations(2).
(1) CDC; International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) 2012. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Prevention & Control. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Ed Info Div. Available from, as of March 30, 2018: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/default.html
(2) ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for 1,2-Dibromoethane. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service (1992). Available from, as of April 2, 2018: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp
... By inhalation, ingestion, & skin absorption.
Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1997., p. 468
Workers in the following occupations have exposure levels to ethylene dibromide: private farmer/applicator - 0.01-1.8 mg/kg/yr; fumigation station/corridor operators - 2.3-7.5 mg/kg/yr; fumigation station/outdoor operators - 5.1-6.5 mg/kg/yr; truckers/station personnel - 0.42-2.1 mg/kg/yr; warehouse/indoor laborers - 287 mg/kg/yr; warehouse/outdoor laborers - 75.3 mg/kg/yr; warehouse/stickmen - 151.8 mg/kg/yr; spot treatment/applicator - 4.3-59.3 mg/kg/yr; spot treatment/ mill worker - 9.4-10.9 mg/kg/yr.
USEPA; Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) Position Doc #4 p.7 (1982)
An estimated 875,000 workers are potentially exposed to very low levels of EDB while working with leaded gasoline.
NIOSH; Current Intelligence Bulletin Ethylene Dibromide #37 p.3 (1981)

13.2.22 Average Daily Intake

Estimated daily intake (ug/kg/day) of EDB by geographic region /USA/: Northeast, citrus: 0.00052, grain: 0.0051; North Central, citrus: 0.005, grain: 0.0052; South, citrus: 0.003, grain: 0.0059; West, citrus: 0.00074, grain: 0.0052 /From table/.
USEPA, Office of Drinking Water; Criteria Document (Draft): Ethylene Dibromide p.IV-7 (1985)

13.2.23 Body Burden

INDOOR: Ethylene dibromide was not detected in breath, personal air, or kitchen air samples (detection limit = 0.22 ug/cu m). Indoor air sampled at 75 residence houses in Ottawa, Canada during the winter of 2002/2003 did not detect ethylene dibromide (detection limit of 0.02 ug/cu m)(1).
(1) Zhu J et al; Environ Sci Technol 39: 3964-3971 (2005)

14 Associated Disorders and Diseases

Associated Occupational Diseases with Exposure to the Compound

Hepatitis, chemical [Category: Acute Poisoning]

Infertility, male [Category: Reproduction and Development]

Solvents, acute toxic effect [Category: Acute Poisoning]

Fumigants, acute toxic effect [Category: Acute Poisoning]

15 Literature

15.1 Consolidated References

15.2 NLM Curated PubMed Citations

15.3 Springer Nature References

15.4 Thieme References

15.5 Wiley References

15.6 Nature Journal References

15.7 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.8 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.9 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Literature

16 Patents

16.1 Depositor-Supplied Patent Identifiers

16.2 WIPO PATENTSCOPE

16.3 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.4 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Patents

17 Interactions and Pathways

17.1 Chemical-Target Interactions

18 Biological Test Results

18.1 BioAssay Results

19 Taxonomy

The LOTUS Initiative for Open Natural Products Research: frozen dataset union wikidata (with metadata) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.5794106

20 Classification

20.1 MeSH Tree

20.2 NCI Thesaurus Tree

20.3 ChEBI Ontology

20.4 ChemIDplus

20.5 CAMEO Chemicals

20.6 UN GHS Classification

20.7 EPA CPDat Classification

20.8 NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

20.9 EPA DSSTox Classification

20.10 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Classification

20.11 EPA TSCA and CDR Classification

20.12 LOTUS Tree

20.13 EPA Substance Registry Services Tree

20.14 MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology

21 Information Sources

  1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
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  5. NJDOH RTK Hazardous Substance List
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    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/help/reference/terms_and_conditions.htm?d_f=false
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    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/browse/react
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  10. LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database
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  11. NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)
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  13. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)
  14. CAS Common Chemistry
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    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
  15. ChemIDplus
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  16. EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
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    EPA TSCA Classification
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    CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
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  19. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
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  20. FDA Global Substance Registration System (GSRS)
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    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  21. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
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  23. New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
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    ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE (1,2-DIBROMOETHANE)
    https://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/48
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    https://rais.ornl.gov/
  26. California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Product Database
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  29. ClinicalTrials.gov
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  30. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD)
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    https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
  32. EPA Chemical and Products Database (CPDat)
  33. EPA Regional Screening Levels for Chemical Contaminants at Superfund Sites
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  35. USGS Health-Based Screening Levels for Evaluating Water-Quality Data
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    Ethane, 1,2-dibromo- - FY2006 (New/original classication)
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    1,2-Dibromoethane (EDB) - FY2014 (Revised classification)
    https://www.chem-info.nite.go.jp/chem/english/ghs/14-mhlw-2172e.html
  38. Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
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  39. NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
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    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
    1_2-dibromoethane
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
    https://www.norman-network.com/nds/SLE/
  40. MassBank Europe
  41. Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
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    http://www.hmdb.ca/citing
  42. MassBank of North America (MoNA)
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  43. NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center
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  44. SpectraBase
  45. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
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  46. Japan Chemical Substance Dictionary (Nikkaji)
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  48. KNApSAcK Species-Metabolite Database
  49. Natural Product Activity and Species Source (NPASS)
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  51. National Drug Code (NDC) Directory
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  52. Nature Chemical Biology
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  54. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods
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  62. PubChem
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  64. EPA Substance Registry Services
  65. MolGenie
    MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology
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  66. PATENTSCOPE (WIPO)
  67. NCBI
CONTENTS