Guidance

1,2-dichloroethane: general information

Updated 10 March 2025

Overview

1,2-dichloroethane is a highly flammable colourless liquid with a chloroform-like odour. Other common names for 1,2-dichloroethane are dichloroethane, ethylene chloride, ethylene dichloride, EDC and Dutch liquid.

Uses of 1,2-dichloroethane

1,2-dichloroethane is mainly used in the production of vinyl chloride monomer which is used to make PVC. It is also used as a raw material in the production of other chemicals. In the past, it was used as a thinner in paints, coatings and adhesives, a fumigant and as an additive in leaded fuels.

How 1,2-dichloroethane gets into the environment

1,2-dichloroethane can enter the environment from industrial locations that manufacture or use it and during the use of products that contain it.

Exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane

The general public may be exposed to very low levels of 1,2-dichloroethane as a contaminant in air or water.

Exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane is more likely to occur in an occupational setting. However, safe limits are enforced to protect the employees; such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.

How exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane can affect your health

The presence of 1,2-dichloroethane in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to 1,2-dichloroethane by breathing or drinking the substance, or by skin contact with it. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Ingestion of 1,2-dichloroethane may cause burning in the mouth and throat and stomach upset. Inhalation of 1,2-dichloroethane vapours may result in irritation of the nose throat and lungs. 1,2-dichloroethane is irritating to the eyes and skin.

1,2-dichloroethane can be absorbed into the body following inhalation, ingestion or skin exposure causing initial excitement, headache, dizziness, drowsiness and coma. Heart problems and liver and kidney damage may also occur.

1,2-dichloroethane and cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that there is enough evidence in experimental animals, but not in humans that 1,2-dichloroethane can cause cancer. Therefore is has classified 1,2-dichloroethane as possibly having the ability to cause cancer in humans.

Pregnancy and the unborn child

Due to lack of data it is not possible to assess the reproductive and developmental effects of 1,2-dichloroethane. It is unlikely that exposure to low concentrations of 1,2-dichloroethane, which do not affect the mother, would result in harm to the unborn child.

Children

There is little information on the effects of 1,2-dichloroethane on children. It is likely that children exposed to 1,2-dichloroethane would experience similar symptoms to those seen in exposed adults.

What to do if you are exposed to 1,2-dichloroethane

It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of 1,2-dichloroethane high enough to cause adverse health effects. However, if you have any health concerns regarding exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.

Additional sources of information

UKTIS. Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy

The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.

Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.

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