Got 1,1-Dichloroethene In Your Water? We Remove That.

Clean drinking water is essential for our health and wellbeing, yet it’s not always a guarantee. One of the contaminants that can pose a serious threat to our water supply is 1,1-Dichloroethene (also known as 1,1-DCE).

Unfortunately, 1,1-DCE is also a known carcinogen and can cause serious health problems if ingested over long periods of time.

About 1,1-Dichloroethene

1,1-dichloroethene is a chemical compound that belongs to the family of halogenated alkenes. It is a colorless, flammable liquid hat is commonly used as a solvent for cleaning and degreasing.

Despite its usefulness in various industrial processes, 1,1-DCE is also classified as a hazardous substance and a known carcinogen.

What is 1 1 Dichloroethylene Used For?

1,1-Dichloroethylene is a chemical compound that is commonly used in various industrial applications. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor that is highly flammable and can easily evaporate into the air. 1,1-DCE is a type of halogenated alkene, which means that it contains chlorine atoms in its molecular structure.

One of the primary uses of 1,1-DCE is as a solvent for cleaning and degreasing in industrial settings. It is often used in the manufacturing of electronic components, metalworking, and textile industries. The chemical’s ability to dissolve greases and oils makes it an effective cleaner for machine parts and other equipment.

Another common use of 1,1-DCE is as a feedstock for the production of other chemicals. It can be used as a starting material in the manufacturing of vinylidene chloride, a chemical compound that is used to make polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) resins.

1,1-DCE is also used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as perchloroethylene (PERC) and trichloroethylene (TCE). These chemicals are used in the dry cleaning and textile industries, as well as in the production of refrigerants, solvents, and other industrial products.

In addition to its industrial uses, 1,1-DCE can also be found in some consumer products. For example, it is sometimes used as a solvent in adhesives and sealants, and it can also be found in certain cleaning products.

How Does 1 1 Dichloroethylene Get In My Drinking Water?

1,1-Dichloroethylene can enter your drinking water supply in a variety of ways. The most common source of contamination is industrial activity, particularly in areas where 1,1-DCE is used as a solvent or feedstock for chemical production.

If these industries are not properly regulated or do not follow appropriate disposal practices, 1,1-DCE can enter the groundwater and soil.

Another source of 1,1-DCE contamination is from spills or leaks during transportation. If a container holding 1,1-DCE ruptures or leaks during transportation, the chemical can seep into the surrounding soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water sources.

In some cases, 1,1-DCE can also be present in the environment due to natural processes. For example, certain types of bacteria can break down other chemicals into 1,1-DCE, which can then enter the groundwater and soil.

Once 1,1-DCE enters the groundwater, it can spread quickly and contaminate nearby water sources, including wells and municipal water systems. Because it is a volatile chemical, it can also evaporate into the air and potentially contaminate nearby bodies of water through precipitation.

What Are The Health Effects of 1 1 Dichloroethylene?

There is limited but suggestive evidence of the potential health effects of 1,1-Dichloroethylene exposure in humans. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified 1,1-DCE as a possible human carcinogen, based on studies conducted on laboratory animals.

Studies have shown exposure via oral route to high concentrations of 1,1-DCE can cause kidney tumors in male mice. However, there is not sufficient evidence to assess human carcinogenic potential of 1,1-DCE.

Additionally, exposure to 1,1-DCE through the inhalation route has been linked to birth defects and other adverse reproductive outcomes in laboratory animals. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of 1,1-DCE exposure on human health.

Human exposure to 1,1-DCE is primarily through contaminated water sources, hazardous waste sites, and inhalation exposure in occupational settings. The general population can also be exposed to 1,1-DCE through the ingestion of contaminated food and packaging materials.

Ingestion of 1,1-DCE-contaminated water has been linked to increased cancer risk in humans, particularly for liver and kidney cancers. Additionally, exposure to 1,1-DCE through inhalation has been linked to neurological effects, including headaches and dizziness.

To protect against potential health effects of 1,1-DCE exposure, it is important to be aware of potential sources of contamination in your area and take steps to avoid exposure. This includes avoiding drinking water from contaminated sources and properly disposing of hazardous waste.

Overall, the molecular formula for 1,1-DCE (C2H2Cl2) may seem simple, but the potential health effects of exposure to this chemical can be significant.

Is 1,1 Dichloroethylene Regulated by the EPA?

Yes, 1,1-Dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) is regulated by the EPA. The agency has classified 1,1-DCE as a possible human carcinogen based on suggestive evidence from studies. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for 1,1-DCE in drinking water of 7 parts per billion (ppb).

Additionally, the EPA regulates 1,1-DCE in surface water under the Clean Water Act. The agency has also established regulations for industrial discharge of 1,1-DCE and requires proper disposal of hazardous waste containing 1,1-DCE to prevent oral exposure and metabolic activation.

Overall, the EPA plays a critical role in protecting public health from the potential hazards of 1,1-DCE.

How Can I Remove Dichloroethylene From My Drinking Water?

Granular activated carbon is a highly effective filtration method that works by adsorbing contaminants onto the surface of the carbon particles. This process effectively removes a wide range of contaminants, including 1,1-DCE.

Aqua Ox Whole House Water Filters are specifically designed to remove a variety of contaminants from your water, including 1,1-DCE, ensuring that your family has access to safe and clean drinking water.

With their advanced filtration technology, Aqua Ox Whole House Water Filters are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to improve the quality of their drinking water.

From The Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

CAS ID #: 75-35-4

Affected Organ Systems: Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children)

Cancer Classification: None

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Summary: 1, 1-Dichloroethylene is an industrial chemical that is not found naturally in the environment. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet smell. It is also called vinylidene chloride. 1, 1-Dichloroethene is used to make certain plastics, such as flexible films like food wrap, and in packaging materials. It is also used to make flame retardant coatings for fiber and carpet backings, and in piping, coating for steel pipes, and in adhesive applications.

Downloadable Resources

ADDENDUM TO THE TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR 1,1-DICHLOROETHENE (DOWNLOAD PDF)

EPA.GOV TOXICOLOGY REVIEW (DOWNLOAD PDF)

INTEGRATED RISK INFORMATION SYSTEM (IRIS) CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT SUMMARY (DOWNLOAD PDF)

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