EPA Flags 1,2-Dichloroethane as Potential Health and Eco Menace
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA has released a draft report saying 1,2-dichloroethane, a chemical used in some industries, might be risky to people’s health and the environment. They want your thoughts by January 20, 2026, before deciding on any rules that could affect businesses using this chemical. If you work with or around this chemical, keep an eye out—changes could mean new safety steps and costs soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible TSCA restrictions, labeling, or bans
If EPA’s final risk evaluation concludes there is an unreasonable risk, the chemical would move to TSCA section 6 risk management and EPA would be required to issue regulatory restrictions on manufacture (including import), processing, distribution, use, or disposal. TSCA section 6(a) options include labeling, recordkeeping or notice requirements, actions to reduce human exposure or environmental release, and bans of the chemical or certain uses.
EPA preliminarily finds chemical poses risk
The EPA released a draft risk evaluation that preliminarily determines 1,2-dichloroethane (CASRN 107-06-2) presents an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment for certain conditions of use. EPA is seeking public comment on the draft and will accept comments through January 20, 2026.
Children and workers flagged as vulnerable groups
EPA’s draft risk evaluation explicitly considers potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations, including children and workers, when determining whether 1,2-dichloroethane presents unreasonable risk. If risks are found for these groups, regulatory actions could be targeted to reduce exposures for children and workers.
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