1,2-Dichloropropane FACT SHEET
MCL: 5 PPB
Source: Manufacturing, insecticide
Effect: Damage to liver, kidneys, bladder,gastrointestinal tract, reespiratory tract, cancer.
Followup: Treat and retest
Treatment: Granular activated charcoal
1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) is a colorless organic liquid with a chloroform-like odor. The greatest use of 1,2-dichloropropane is in making other organic chemicals. It is also used in making lead-free gasoline, paper coating, soil fumigant for nematodes, and insecticide for stored grain.
Production of 1,2-DCP has decreased greatly since a 1980 report of 77 million lbs. Dow Chemical, the only listed producer, discontinued its production in 1991. It may be released into the atmosphere or in wastewater during its production or use as an intermediate in chemical manufacture. There were also significant releases during its former use as a soil fumigant. It may also leach from municipal landfills.
From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA’s Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, 1,2-dichloropropane releases to land and water totalled nearly 104,000 lbs. These releases were primarily from chemical industries. The largest releases occurred in New York.
What happens to 1,2-DCP when it is released to the environment? 1,2-DCP released to soil will largely evaporate. However, it has been detected in groundwater. Releases to surface water will also evaporate, and are not likely to accumulate in aquatic life.
Short-term: EPA has found 1,2-DCP to potentially cause the following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: damage to the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, and the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
Long-term: 1,2-DCP has the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: the liver, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract; cancer.
Treat and retest quarterly
Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed Tower Aeration.