ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE

Ethylene dibromide
(1,2-Dibromoethane, ethylene bromide, EDB)
CAS 106-93-4

BrCH₂ CH₂ Br

Colorless liquid
bp 131 °C, mp 9 °C
Slightly soluble in water (0.4 g/100 mL at 20 °C)

Mild, sweet odor detectable at 10 ppm

6.5 (air = 1.0)

12 mmHg at 25 °C

Noncombustible

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 108 mg/kg

LD₅₀ skin (rabbit) 300 mg/kg

LC₅₀ inhal (rat) 14,300 mg/m³(30 min)

PEL (OSHA) 20 ppm (150 mg/m³)

Suspected human carcinogen (OSHA "select carcinogen"); moderate acute toxicity; severe skin and eye irritant.

Ethylene dibromide is moderately toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact and is a severe irritant of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Symptoms of overexposure by inhalation may include depression of the central nervous system, respiratory tract irritation, and pulmonary edema. Oral intake of 5 to 10 mL can be fatal to humans owing to liver and kidney damage. Skin contact with EDB can produce severe irritation and blistering; serious skin injury can result from contact with clothing and shoes wet with EDB. This compound can be absorbed through the skin in toxic amounts. EDB vapors are severely irritating to the eyes, and contact with the liquid can damage vision.

EDB is listed in IARC Group 2A ("probable human carcinogen") and is classified as a "select carcinogen" under the criteria of the OSHA Laboratory Standard. Chronic inhalation may cause pulmonary, renal, and hepatic damage. EDB is a suspected reproductive toxin implicated in reduction in male fertility. Ethylene dibromide is considered to be a compound with poor warning properties due to potential chronic and carcinogenic effects.

Ethylene dibromide is a noncombustible substance (NFPA rating = 0).

EDB reacts vigorously with alkali metals, zinc, magnesium, aluminum, caustic alkalis, strong oxidizers, and liquid ammonia. Liquid EDB will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings.

Because of its carcinogenicity, EDB should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C, supplemented by the additional precautions for work with compounds of high chronic toxicity (Chapter 5.D). In particular, work with EDB should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and appropriate impermeable gloves and safety goggles should be worn to prevent skin contact. Gloves and protective clothing should be changed immediately if EDB contamination occurs. Since EDB can penetrate neoprene and other plastics, protective apparel made of these materials does not provide adequate protection from contact with EDB.

In the event of skin contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and water. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If EDB is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If large amounts of this compound are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

Persons not wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from areas of spill or leaks until cleanup has been completed. Soak up EDB with a spill pillow or absorbent material such as vermiculite or dry sand, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Evacuation and cleanup using respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area.

Excess EDB and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.