1,2-Dichloroethane
Parameter Type: Drinking Water Testing for Volatiles
Parameter Name: 1,2-Dichloroethane
What it is and Where it Comes From:
1,2-dichloroethane commonly known as ethylene dichloride (EDC), is a chlorinated hydrocarbon. It is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. The most common use of 1,2-dichloroethane is in the production of vinyl chloride, which is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, furniture and automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, and automobile parts. 1,2-Dichloroethane is also used generally as an intermediate for other organic chemical compounds, and as a solvent. 1,2-Dichloroethane has been used as degreaser and paint remover but is now banned from use due to its toxicity and possible carcinogenetic. As a useful ‘building block’ reagent, it is used as an intermediate in the production of diverse organic compounds such as ethylenediamine. In the laboratory it is occasionally used as a source of chlorine, with elimination of ethene and chloride. 1,2-Dichloroethane can also be released into rivers and lakes. It breaks down very slowly in water and most of it will evaporate to the air. 1,2-Dichloroethane released in soil will either evaporate into the air or travel down through the soil and enter underground water. Drinking water testing gives you several benefits like peace of mind, identifying contaminants in your water, and insight into health concerns. Safe Home offers Laboratory drinking water testing kits for 1,2-Dichloroethane, allowing you to collect your water sample and ship it directly to our EPA-Certified Laboratory. This platform of drinking water testing for 1,2-Dichloroethane will give you an accurate level based on the lowest level of a parameter our instruments can detect (Method Detection Level). Safe Home drinking water testing for volatiles can be used for city and well water supplies. Drinking water testing should be done any time you notice a significant change in your water quality.
Health Effects:
1,2-Dichloroethane can cause nervous system disorders, liver and kidney diseases, and lung effects have been reported in humans ingesting large amounts. In laboratory animals, breathing or ingesting large amounts of 1,2-dichloroethane have also caused nervous system disorders and liver, kidney, and lung effects. Animal studies also suggest that 1,2-dichloroethane may damage the immune system. Kidney disease has also been seen in animals ingesting low doses of 1,2-dichloroethane for a long time. Studies in animals indicate that 1,2-dichloroethane does not affect reproduction. Human studies examining whether 1,2-dichloroethane can cause cancer have been considered inadequate. In animals, increases in the occurrence of stomach, mammary gland, liver, lung, and endometrium cancers have been seen following oral exposure.
Solutions to Contaminant Levels:
After drinking water testing, what are my treatment options? A filter with granular activated carbon (GAC) is a proven option to remove certain chemicals, particularly organic chemicals, from water. GAC filters also can be used to remove chemicals that give objectionable odors or tastes to water such as hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs odor) or chlorine. Reverse osmosis is a process that removes foreign contaminants, solid substances, large molecules, and minerals from water by using pressure to push it through specialized membranes. Here’s how reverse osmosis works. Unlike osmosis, which is a passive process, reverse osmosis requires external force (pressure) to work. Pressure is applied to a highly concentrated solute solution, such as salt water, to pass through a membrane to a lower concentrate solution. The membrane allows water to flow through but blocks out larger molecules, like contaminants. The reverse osmosis process leaves higher concentrations of solute on one side and only the solvent, or freshwater, on the other. Who do I need to contact to find out more information about water quality in my area? Every community water supplier must provide an annual report to its customers, known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The report provides information on your local drinking water quality, including the water’s source, contaminants found in the water, and how consumers can get involved in protecting drinking water. How often does the local public water system preform drinking water testing? Frequency of drinking water testing depends on the number of people served, the type of water source, and types of contaminants. Certain contaminants are tested more frequently than others, as established by the Safe Drinking Water Act. You can find out about levels of regulated contaminants in your treated water for the previous calendar year in your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
