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This
is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public or private drinking
water supplies. It may cause health problems if found in amounts greater than
the health standard set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is 1,2-DCE and how is it used? 1,2-Dichloroethylene
(1,2-DCE) is an odorless organic liquid that has two slightly different forms,
a "cis" form and a "trans" form. Both the cis and trans forms - usually as a mixture
- are used as a solvent for waxes and resins; in the extraction of rubber; as
a refrigerant; in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and artificial pearls; in
the extraction of oils and fats from fish and meat; and in making other organics.
The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are
using this chemical at home or work. Trade Names and Synonyms:
1,2-DCE
Acetylene dichloride
Why is 1,2-DCE being Regulated?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires
EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals. The MCLGs
for 1,2-DCE have been set at 0.07 parts per million (ppm) for the cis form, and
0.1 ppm for the trans form. EPA believes this level of protection would not cause
any of the potential health problems described below. Based on this MCLG,
EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible, considering the ability of public
water systems to detect and remove contaminants using suitable treatment technologies.
The MCLs have also been set at 0.07 ppm for the cis form, and 0.1 ppm for
the trans form. EPA believes, given present technology and resources, this is
the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to remove this
contaminant should it occur in drinking water. These drinking water standards
and the regulations for ensuring these standards are met, are called National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must abide by these
regulations. What are the Health Effects? Short-term: EPA
has found cis- and trans-1,2-DCE to potentially cause the following health effects
when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods
of time: central nervous system depression. Long-term: Both cis- and trans-1,2-DCE
have the potential to cause liver, circulatory and nervous system damage from
long-term exposure at levels above the MCL. The trans form is approximately twice
as potent as the cis form in its ability to depress the central nervous system.
How much 1,2-DCE is produced and released to the environment?
Releases to the environment are expected to be limited to manufacturing plants
in the Gulf Region of the United States. Since cis-and trans-1,2-DCE are not listed
chemicals in the Toxics Release Inventory, data on releases during manufacture
and handling are not available. Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene may be released
to the environment in air emissions and wastewater during its production and use
as a solvent and extractant, in organic synthesis, and in the manufacture of perfumes,
lacquers, and thermoplastics. What happens to 1,2-DCE when it is released
to the environment? If 1,2-dichloroethylenes are released on soil,
it should evaporate and leach into the groundwater where it will break down very
slowly. If released to water, they will mainly evaporate. Neither of the two forms
of this contaminant are likely to accumulate in aquatic life. How will
1,2-DCE be Detected in and Removed from My Drinking Water? The regulation
for cis- and trans-1,2-DCE became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995, EPA
required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months for one year
and analyze them to find out if cis- and trans-1,2-DCE is present above 0.5 ppb.
If it is present above this level, the system must continue to monitor this contaminant.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your
water supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of cis- and trans-1,2-DCE
so that it is consistently below that level. The following treatment methods have
been approved by EPA for removing cis- and trans-1,2-DCE: Granular activated charcoal
in combination with Packed Tower Aeration. How will I know if 1,2-DCE
is in my drinking water? If the levels of cis- and trans-1,2-DCE exceed
their MCLs, the system must notify the public via newspapers, radio, TV and other
means. Additional actions, such as providing alternative drinking water supplies,
may be required to prevent serious risks to public health. Drinking
Water Standards: Mclg: cis- 0.07 ppm; trans- 0.1 ppm Mcl: cis- 0.07
ppm; trans- 0.1 ppm As
part of the Drinking Water and Health pages, this fact sheet is part of a larger
U.S. EPA publication:
EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations | 
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