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What is Ethylene Dichloride?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Ethylene dichloride, now more commonly known as 1,2-dichloroethane, is an organic compound classified as an organochloride. This designation is recognized by several other terms, including chlorocarbon, chlorinated solvent, and chlorinated hydrocarbon, all meaning the same thing. The chemical structure of ethylene dichloride consists of a covalent bond between its hydrogen atoms and two chlorine atoms, meaning that they share electron pairs between them.

While ethylene dichloride is considered an outdated name for 1,2-dichloroethane, it was also once called Dutch oil in honor of the Dutch scientists who first synthesized this compound from ethylene and chlorine gases in the late 18th century. Today, the compound is produced in large quantities from the same basic materials using either chlorinated iron or copper as a catalyst. In fact, the commercial production of this solvent in the US, which began in 1922, eventually earned a place in the top 50 highest volume industrial chemicals produced in the country. In addition, large amounts of this chemical are imported into the US each year from Japan and several Western European countries.

Ethylene dichloride is used to make a plastic called polystyrene.
Ethylene dichloride is used to make a plastic called polystyrene.

The primary industrial use of ethylene dichloride is to produce vinyl chloride, used to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is also used to make polystyrene, a thermoplastic, and styrene butadiene (SBR) latex, an adhesive coating used to bond cement, concrete, and asphalt. In addition, the chemical is used as an industrial solvent to remove oil and grease, as well as in the manufacturing of other chlorinated solvents, such as perchloroethylene, otherwise known as dry cleaning fluid. At one time, this chemical was added to leaded gasoline as an anti-knock agent.

Large amounts of ethylene dichloride are imported into the U.S. each year from Japan.
Large amounts of ethylene dichloride are imported into the U.S. each year from Japan.

There are several known health hazards associated with ethylene dichloride, which is readily absorbed through the skin and lungs. In addition to causing respiratory problems, this chemical may also act on the nervous system, and damage the heart, liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. While the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies this substance as a “probable human carcinogen,” it is unclear whether long-term or high concentrations of exposure genuinely increase cancer risk due to other chemical contaminants being concurrently present among populations participating in occupational studies. However, studies using animal models indicate that exposure initiated by ingestion or topical application did result in the formation of various tumors of the lungs, stomach, colon, and mammary glands. In addition, a decrease in fertility was observed in rats and mice.

In studies with ethylene dichloride, a decrease in fertility was observed in rats.
In studies with ethylene dichloride, a decrease in fertility was observed in rats.

While exposure to ethylene dichloride was once thought to be primarily an occupational hazard, the EPA has discovered that this solvent is also present in significant amounts in rural air, as well as in surface water and groundwater. As might be expected, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports similar findings in Western Europe in regions where this chemical is manufactured. In addition, according to the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), this substance has been detected in human breast milk. In terms of environmental impact, 1,2-dichloroethane persists in the ground, but biodegrades in the air within 300 days. However, this substance is toxic to fish and contributes to acid rainfall.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

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    • Ethylene dichloride is used to make a plastic called polystyrene.
      By: Museum of Vancouver
      Ethylene dichloride is used to make a plastic called polystyrene.
    • Large amounts of ethylene dichloride are imported into the U.S. each year from Japan.
      By: corepics
      Large amounts of ethylene dichloride are imported into the U.S. each year from Japan.
    • In studies with ethylene dichloride, a decrease in fertility was observed in rats.
      By: lculig
      In studies with ethylene dichloride, a decrease in fertility was observed in rats.
    • Ethylene dichloride may cause damage to the adrenal glands.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Ethylene dichloride may cause damage to the adrenal glands.
    • Ethylene dichloride may cause fertility issues.
      By: DenisNata
      Ethylene dichloride may cause fertility issues.
    • Ethylene dichloride is readily absorbed through the skin and lungs.
      By: Naeblys
      Ethylene dichloride is readily absorbed through the skin and lungs.