ATSDR - Toxic Substances - 1,2-Dibromoethane
Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options

1,2-Dibromoethane

CAS ID #: 106-93-4

Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Hepatic (Liver), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children)

Cancer Classification: NTP: Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. EPA: Llikely to be carcinogenic to humans based on strong evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and inconclusive evidence of carcinogenicity in an exposed human population. IARC: Probably carcinogenic to humans

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Volatile organic compounds

Summary: 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.

Community Members 

Community Members
  • ToxFAQs

    Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about a contaminant and its health effects.

  • Public Health Statement

    Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.

  • Midlothian

    ATSDR and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are conducting an extensive review of environmental health concerns raised by the community members in Midlothian, Texas to determine if chemical releases from local industries could or have affected the health of persons and animals in the area.

  • Emergency Responders 

    Emergency Responders
  • Medical Management Guidelines (MMG) for Acute Chemical Exposure

    Publication intended to aid emergency department physicians and other emergency healthcare professionals who manage acute exposures resulting from chemical incidents.

  • Toxicological and Health Professionals 

    Toxicological and Health Professionals
  • Toxicological Profile

    Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for a hazardous substance.

  • Priority List of Hazardous Substances

    Prioritization of substances based on a combination of their frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at National Priorities List (NPL) sites.

  • Top of Page

    Contact Us:
    • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
      4770 Buford Hwy NE
      Atlanta, GA 30341
    • 800-CDC-INFO
      (800-232-4636)
      TTY: (888) 232-6348
    • New Hours of Operation
      8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
      Closed Holidays
      Contact CDC-INFO
    USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
    Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341
    Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348

    A-Z Index

    1. A
    2. B
    3. C
    4. D
    5. E
    6. F
    7. G
    8. H
    9. I
    10. J
    11. K
    12. L
    13. M
    14. N
    15. O
    16. P
    17. Q
    18. R
    19. S
    20. T
    21. U
    22. V
    23. W
    24. X
    25. Y
    26. Z
    27. #