1,2-Dichloroethane

GENERAL INFORMATION
1,2-Dichloroethane is a colorless, oily, organic liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. The greatest use of 1,2-dichloroethane is in making chemicals involved in plastics, rubber and synthetic textile fibers. Other uses include: as a solvent for resins and fats, photography, photocopying, cosmetics, drugs, and as a fumigant for grains and orchards. The major source of 1,2-dichloroethane in drinking water is discharge from industrial chemical factories.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing 1,2-dichloroethane well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Standard value 1: 
5.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
1,2-Dichloroethane 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: 
Discharge from industrial chemical factories
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

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS