Also known as: Ethylene Dibromide. CAS Number: 106-93-4. A
colorless, heavy liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It
is used in the treatment of logs for termites and beetles,
control of moths in beehives, and as a preparation for dyes and
waxes. Was also used in the past as an additive in leaded
gasoline, until leaded gasoline was banned. Chemical formula =
C2H4Br2. Molecular weight = 187.88 g/mol.
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Exposure to Dibromoethane primarily occurs from its past use as
an additive to leaded gasoline and as a fumigant. Ethylene
dibromide is extremely toxic to humans. The chronic (long-term)
effects of exposure to ethylene dibromide have not been well
documented in humans. Animal studies indicate that chronic
exposure to ethylene dibromide may result in toxic effects to the
liver, kidney, and the testis, irrespective of the route of
exposure. Limited data on men occupationally exposed to ethylene
dibromide indicate that long-term exposure to ethylene dibromide
can impair reproduction by damaging sperm cells in the testicles.
Several animal studies indicate that long-term exposure to
ethylene dibromideincreases the incidences of a variety of tumors
in rats and mice in both sexes by all routes of exposure. EPA
has classified ethylene dibromide as a Group B2, probable human
carcinogen.