1,3-Butadiene (vinyl ethylene): Environmental effects
Description
1,3-Butadiene has moderate acute (short-term) toxicity to aquatic life. It has slight chronic (long-term) toxicity to aquatic life. There is not enough information to predict additional short or long-term effects of 1,3-Butadiene on plants, birds, or other animals. It is not expected to accumulate in fish. Animal studies have reported development effects, such as skeletal abnormalities and decreased foetal weights and reproductive effect, including an increased incidence of shrinkage of the ovaries and testicles. Animal studies have also reported tumours at a variety of sites from inhalation of 1,3-Butadiene.
Entering the environment
Industrial emissions of 1,3-Butadiene can produce elevated, but still low level concentrations in the atmosphere around the source. Motor vehicles may also produce elevated levels of 1,3-Butadiene in areas of higher traffic. Tobacco smoke is the primary source of 1,3-Butadiene indoors. Because of its short life expectancy in the atmosphere 1,3-Butadiene is expected to be confined to the local area within which it is emitted.
Where it ends up
It quickly evaporates to a gas if released as a liquid. It then decomposes quickly in air in sunlight. In sunlight it should almost all be broken down in about one day. When it is not sunny it may take as long as a few weeks to breakdown.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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