US EPA Releases Final Risk Evaluation for 1,2-Dichloroethane

US EPA recently released its final evaluation of environmental and health risks posed by the chemical 1,2-dichloroethane (aka ethylene dichloride) as required under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 1,2-dichloroethane is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastics, and other products. It is also used as a solvent and to remove lead from gasoline (Source: PubChem).

In the risk evaluation, EPA finds that 1,2-dichlorethane poses an unreasonable risk to human health under 15 of 20 conditions of use evaluated, due to the potential for workplace exposures via inhalation or skin contact. EPA did not identify unreasonable risk to the environment, consumers, or the general population.

More information about the Final Risk Evaluation for 1,2-dichloroethane under TSCA is available on EPA’s website.

EPA studied uses of 1,2-dichloroethane at each stage of the chemical’s life cycle: manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, industrial uses, commercial uses, consumer uses, recycling, and disposal.

In May 2025, EPA released the final risk evaluation for a related chemical, 1,1-dichloroethane. That evaluation indicated unreasonable risk to worker health as well.

Next Steps Under TSCA

When EPA identifies that a chemical poses an unreasonable risk to human health and/or the environment, the agency is required by law to impose regulations to address the risk.

In the case of 1,2-dichloroethane, EPA notes that “respirators and other workplace controls can reduce worker exposures such that the risk would no longer be unreasonable.” It seems likely, therefore, that the TSCA Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) put forth by EPA for this substance will include respiratory protection requirements of some kind (e.g., monitoring concentration in work areas, providing respirators, etc.).

Master TSCA Compliance

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is complex and enforcement is stringent, making a comprehensive understanding of the rules critical for compliance. The law has broad applicability, subjecting all companies that “manufacture, use, process, distribute, import, or export chemical products” to complex reporting and management requirements.

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Tags: chemical risk evaluations, EPA