Dibromochloropropane

GENERAL INFORMATION
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane, or DBCP, is a dense yellow organic liquid with a pungent odor. It is used primarily as an unclassified nematocide for soil fumigation of cucumbers, summer squash, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, snap beans, okra, aster, shasta daisy, lawn grasses and ornamental shrubs. The major source of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane in drinking water is runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples and orchards.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience reproductive difficulties, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Standard value 1: 
0.20
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
Pesticide
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Dibromochloropropane levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Dibromochloropropane levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES