1,2-Dichloroethane: Health effects
Description
1,2-dichloroethane may irritate the eyes, nose and throat. It may cause eye problems, headache, feelings of drunkenness, fatigue, central nervous system depression, convulsions, pulmonary oedema (excessive fluid in the lungs), unconsciousness and death from respiratory and cardiac failure. It may also defat the skin, causing skin irritation. Long-term exposures may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and adrenal glands.
Entering the body
1,2-Dichloroethane will enter the body if we breathe in contaminated air, or drink contaminated water. 1,2-dichloroethane can also pass through your skin.
Exposure
Workers in the industries that use or produce 1,2-dichloroethane are at risk of exposure. Consumers can be exposed to 1,2-dichloroethane by exposure to leaded fuels, or by exposure to air from production and processing facilities using 1,2-dichloroethane. The most significant route of exposure to 1,2-Dichloroethane for most members of the general public is through breathing air contaminated with it or drinking contaminated water (especially bore water).
Health guidelines
According to Worksafe Australia :
For 1,2-dichloroethane, it is allowable for workers to be exposed to concentrations in the air of 10 parts per million over an eight hour workshift.
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