1,2-Dibromoethane

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Carcinogens

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

Agrochemicals -> Pesticide active substances

Active substance -> EU Pesticides database: Not approved

Pesticides -> Fumigants

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) (Pesticide/Volatile Organic Compound (VOC))

log Kow = 1.96

1.96

1.96

Chloroform odor

Sweetish odor

2.18 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

2.16832 g/cu cm at 25 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 2.2

2.17

2.1683 @25 °C

2.17

Heavy liquid

Colorless liquid or solid (below 50 degrees F)

less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

In water, 4,310 mg/L at 30 °C

In water, 3.91X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C

Soluble in about 250 parts water

Soluble in diethyl ether, ethanol and most organic solvents. Miscible with non-alkaline organic liquids

For more Solubility (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Liquid ethylene dibromide will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings.

May poison platinum catalysts

Corrosive to iron and other metals

268 to 270 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

131.3 °C

131 °C

268 °F

131.6 °C @760 [mm Hg]

268 °F

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions - Carbon oxides, hydrogen bromide gas.

At 240-270 °C in a glass vessel, ethylene bromide decomposes into vinyl bromide & hydrogen bromide.

Toxic gases & vapors (such as hydrogen bromide, bromine, & carbon monoxide) may be released when ethylene dibromide decomposes.

When heated to decomp ... emits toxic fumes of /hydrogen bromide/.

Decomposed by alkalis & by light.

Danger

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

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 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

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]

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 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: Ethane, 1,2-dibromo-

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

Ethane, 1,2-dibromo- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Ethane, 1,2-dibromo- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 26-04-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/13105

1,2-Dibromoethane: HSNO Approval: HSR002992 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

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

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

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

Local inflammation, blisters and ulcers on skin; irritation in lungs and organic injury to liver and kidneys; may be absorbed through skin. (USCG, 1999)

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

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]

1605 154

1605 154

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

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

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

· 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.

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

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.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

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

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].

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Use water to keep fire-exposed containers cool.

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.

Store in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials, alkali metal, ammonia.

Protect from light.

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/

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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.

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).

Endocrine

[in animals: skin & lung tumors]

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.

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.

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

Endocrine

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

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age 5 day neonate; Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 20000 ug/L for 60 min; Effect: biochemistry, decreased fluorescence

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)

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age < or =24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C; Concentration: 6500 ug/L for 48 hr

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)

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus; Concentration: 18 mg/L for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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)

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)

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).

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

(FL) FLORIDA 0.02 ug/L

(HI) HAWAII 0.04 ug/L

(MA) MASSACHUSETTS 0.02 ug/L

(AZ) ARIZONA 0.0005 ug/L

(ME) MAINE 0.004 ug/L

(MN) MINNESOTA 0.2 ug/L

Whole body (animal studies): less than 72 hours; [TDR, 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.

Biological half life of (14)C-1,2-dibromoethane in mice was less than 48 hr.

Biological half-life of (14)C-1,2-dibromoethane in guinea pigs was less than 48 hr.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

/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/. ...

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.

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).

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.

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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.

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]

Use as fumigant suspended by EPA due to toxicity and ground water contamination. [Sullivan, 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./

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... "cancelled."

Soil and grain fumigant; as lead scavenger in anti-knock gasolines.

(1973) 99 million lb

(1978) 2.92X10+10 G

(1981) 1.79X10+10 G

(1985) 2.50X10+10 g

(1976) less than 3000 lb

(1977) 3.63X10+7 G

(1981) 3.81X10+8 G

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.

2023: 500,000 - <1,000,000 lb

(1974) 332 million lb

(1975) 275 million lb

(1977) 300 million lb

(1977) 1.11X10+11 G

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for Ethylene dibromide (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

LEAD SCAVENGER, 83%; OTHER USES, 17% (1981)

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.

Made from ethylene and bromine; also from acetylene and hydrobromic acid.

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.

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.

In oil; mixtures: (ethylene dibromide +) chloropicrin; methyl bromide

Liquid grade

Motor fuel antiknock mixes ca 18% or 2.8 g/L ethylene dibromide and aviation fuel antiknock mixes contain 36% ethylene dibromide.

Chemical Classes -> Volatile organic compounds

Chemical Classes -> Volatile organic compounds

All other Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing

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.

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.