What is 1,2 - Dichloropropane?

1,2-Dichloropropane is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₃H₆Cl_2, and is classified as a chlorocarbon. It is a colourless, flammable liquid with a chloroform-like odour. It is moderately soluble in water and readily evaporates into air. It does not occur naturally in the environment.

What is 1,2 - Dichloropropane used for?

1,2-Dichloropropane is an intermediate in the production of perchloroethylene and other chlorinated chemicals. It is also used in making lead-free gasoline, paper coating, soil fumigants for nematodes, and insecticides for stored grain. It was once used as an industrial solvent and was found in paint strippers, varnishes, and furniture finish removers, but some of these uses have been discontinued.

Sources & Routes of Exposure

Source of Exposure

• Air levels of 1,2-dichloropropane are usually quite low. 
• 1,2-Dichloropropane is found in a few drinking water supplies, and most of those are from groundwater sources. 
• Occupational exposure to 1,2-dichloropropane may result during its production, its use in chemical reactions and as an industrial solvent, and evaporation from wastewater that contains the chemical. 
• Workers involved in cleaning up hazardous waste or spill sites that contain 1,2-dichloropropane may also be exposed.

Ruotes of Exposure

1,2-Dichloropropane can enter the body through:

• Inhalation: Breathing contaminated air, especially for workers exposed indoors.
• Ingestion: Drinking contaminated water, particularly well water near waste sites, or accidentally drinking cleaning products (no longer produced in the U.S.).
• Skin Contact: Touching contaminated water, soil, or products that used to contain the chemical (e.g., paint strippers, varnishes).

In animals, 1,2-Dichloropropane is quickly excreted through urine, faeces, and breath.

Health Effects

Acute Effects

• High-level ingestion or inhalation in humans causes dizziness, headaches, nausea, liver and kidney damage, anaemia, coma, and can be fatal.
• EPA states that short-term exposure above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) can affect the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, and gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.

Chronic Effects

• Long-term exposure above the MCL can lead to damage in the liver, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system.
• Animal studies show that long-term inhalation can damage the liver, kidneys, and respiratory systems, while high doses are fatal.

Cancer

• Long-term exposure may have a cancer risk.
• Animal studies found liver cancer in mice and breast cancer in rats, though relevance to humans is unclear.
• Skin irritation from contact has been observed in humans and rabbits.

Reproductive Effects

• There is no evidence that 1,2-Dichloropropane causes birth defects, but delayed bone growth has been observed in fetal rats exposed through the mother.

Safety

First Aid Measures

• If Inhaled: Move to fresh air. Provide artificial respiration if necessary. Seek medical help.
• Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; consult a physician.
• Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water.
• If Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth with water and consult a physician.

Exposure Controls & Personal Protection

Engineering Controls

• Practice good industrial hygiene; wash hands regularly.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eye/Face Protection: Use a face shield and safety glasses. Ensure compliance with standards like NIOSH (U.S.) or EN 166 (EU).
• Skin Protection: Use gloves made of fluorinated rubber with a minimum thickness of 0.7 mm and a breakthrough time of 480 minutes (Vitoject® gloves recommended). Follow proper removal techniques to avoid skin contact.
• Body Protection: Wear a chemical-resistant suit and flame-retardant, antistatic clothing as needed.
• Respiratory Protection: Use a full-face respirator with multi-purpose cartridges or a supplied air respirator when needed. Respirators must meet standards such as NIOSH (U.S.) or CEN (EU).

Regulation

United States

EPA: The United States Environmental Protection Agency has set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 0.005 parts per million (0.005 ppm) for 1,2-dichloropropane in drinking water. The EPA recommends that the level of 1,2 dichloropropane in lakes and streams should be limited to 0.52 parts per billion (0.52 ppb) to prevent possible human health effects from drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated fish. Any release to the environment greater than 1,000 pounds of 1,2-dichloropropane must be reported to the EPA.

OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set a workplace air concentration limit of 75 ppm over an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek.

Australia

Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has established a time weighted average (TWA) concentration for 1,2-dichloropropoane of 75 ppm or 347 mg/m³ over an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek.