Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether (also known as bis dichloroethyl ether), molecular formula C₄H₈Cl₂O, is a colourless, nonflammable liquid with a strong, unpleasant odour. It dissolves easily in water, and some of it will slowly evaporate into the air. It does not occur naturally.
What is Bis(2-chloroethyl) used for?
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is mainly used as a chemical intermediate in the production of pesticides.
A small amount is also used as a solvent.
In the past, it was used as a solvent for fats, waxes, greases, and esters.
It has also been used in paints and varnishes, as a textile cleaning fluid, and to purify oils and gasoline.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) is used in paints and varnishes.
In the Environment
When bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is released into the air, it can break down through reactions with other chemicals and sunlight or be removed by rain.
In water, it can be broken down by bacteria.
When released into soil, it can seep into groundwater, be broken down by bacteria, or evaporate into the air.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether does not accumulate in the food chain.
Sources and Routes of Exposure
Sources of Exposure
You are most likely to be exposed to bis(2-chloroethyl) ether if you work in a facility where it is made or used.
People living near a waste site or industrial plant that contains bis(2-chloroethyl) ether may breathe it in or come into contact with contaminated soil.
You could also be exposed by drinking water contaminated with bis(2-chloroethyl) ether.
Routes of Exposure
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether can enter the body through:
Inhalation
Skin or eye contact
Swallowing
It may also be absorbed through the skin.
Health Effects
Acute Effects
Inhaling bis(2-chloroethyl) ether can cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract and skin.
Animal studies show effects such as irritation of the eyes and nose, lung damage (congestion, swelling, bleeding), and congestion in the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Central nervous system (CNS) effects were also observed.
Acute toxicity studies in rats and mice found high toxicity through inhalation and oral exposure and extreme toxicity through skin contact.
Chronic Effects
There is no human data on long-term exposure to bis(2-chloroethyl) ether.
Animal studies show decreased body weight in rats exposed through inhalation and oral routes.
EPA has not set a Reference Concentration (RfC) or Reference Dose (RfD) for this chemical.
ATSDR has calculated an intermediate inhalation minimal risk level (MRL) of 0.1 mg/m³ (0.02 ppm), based on decreased body weights in rats.
Reproductive/Developmental Effects
There is no information on developmental or reproductive effects in humans.
One animal study showed no effects on reproductive tissues, but reproductive function was not tested.
Cancer Risk
There is no data on cancer risk in humans.
Animal studies have shown increased liver tumours in mice exposed by mouth.
The EPA classifies bis(2-chloroethyl) ether as a Group B2—probable human carcinogen.
Safety
First Aid Measures
General advice: Consult a physician. Show the doctor this safety data sheet.
If inhaled: Move the person to fresh air. If they are not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician.
If swallowed: Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Fire Information
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards: May produce carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrogen chloride gas.
Firefighting advice: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus if necessary.
Exposure Control & Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Follow standard industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Wash hands before breaks and after finishing work.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye/Face Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields that conform to EN166. Use eye protection equipment approved by NIOSH (US) or EN 166 (EU).
Skin Protection: Wear gloves. Inspect gloves before use and remove them properly to avoid contact with the outer surface. Dispose of used gloves according to local laws and laboratory standards. Wash and dry hands after use. Gloves should meet EU Directive 89/686/EEC and EN 374 standards.
Body Protection: Wear impervious clothing. Select appropriate protective equipment based on the concentration and amount of the substance in use.
Respiratory Protection:
For low-level exposure, use a type P95 (US) or P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator.
For higher-level exposure, use OV/AG/P99 (US) or ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges.
Use respirators and components tested and approved by appropriate government bodies such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for bis92-chloroethyl) ether:
General Industry: 15 ppm, 90 mg/m3 Ceiling (Skin)
Construction Industry: 15 ppm, 90 mg/m3 Ceiling (Skin)
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for bis92-chloroethyl) ether of 5 ppm, 29 mg/m3 TWA; 10 ppm, 58 mg/m3 STEL (Skin); Appendix A4 (Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen)
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for bis92-chloroethyl) ether of 5 ppm TWA (Skin), 10 ppm STEL (Skin), Potential Carcinogen
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has set a time weighted average concentration of 5ppm or 29 mg/m3 for an 8 hour workday or 40 hour work week. A short term exposure limit (STEL) of 10ppm or 58 mg/m3 has also been set for bis92-chloroethyl) ether.
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