1,2-dibromoethane: Environmental effects
Description
EDB has moderate short-term toxicity to aquatic life. EDB is not expected to concentrate in fish. EDB is a severe skin irritant that can cause blistering in humans and animals, very high doses through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption may cause death.
Entering the environment
Industrial emissions of EDB can produce elevated, but still low level concentrations in the atmosphere around the source. Motor vehicles may also produce elevated levels of EDB in areas of higher traffic. Spills or agricultural applications to the ground may lead to EDB leaching into the groundwater. In the groundwater EDB may contaminate bores or other water supplies.
Where it ends up
1,2-dibromoethane is a persistent pollutant in the atmosphere that can be transported long distances. When released to water EDB will evaporate into the air. Some types of microbes can degrade EDB. It does not tend to accumulate in aquatic life. When spilled or applied to land EDB may leach into the groundwater. EDBs persistence in the ground will vary from soil to soil, in some it may last a few weeks, in others it has been recorded to last as long as 19 years.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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