The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) final risk assessment for 1,1-dichloroethane was published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 20, 2025. According to the assessment, 1,1-dichloroethane does not constitute a serious concern to the environment or the general public, but it does provide an unreasonable risk of harming human health under three conditions of use (COUs).

Background

1,1-Dichloroethane is an oily, colourless liquid that smells like ether or chloroform. It is somewhat soluble in water and volatile. It is mostly employed in laboratory research and, to a lesser degree, as an intermediary in the synthesis of other chlorinated solvents. It was classified as a high-priority material under the TSCA in December 2019. A draft assessment was made available for public comment and scientific peer review in 2024 after the risk evaluation’s scope was finalized in August 2020.

Key Findings of the Risk Assessment

1. Risks to Human Health

Due to insufficient data, EPA used 1,2-dichloroethane as a surrogate in its risk assessment. The findings include:

· No unreasonable risk was identified for the general population.

· Unreasonable risks were found for workers exposed to 1,1-dichloroethane under the following three conditions of use:

1. Processing as an intermediate in the manufacturing of basic organic chemicals.

2. Processing as an intermediate in the manufacturing of other chemical products and preparations.

3. Recycling.

2. Risks to the Environment

EPA assessed 1,1-dichloroethane exposure to aquatic organisms (via surface water and sediment) and terrestrial organisms (through soil, surface water, and sediment) during its production, processing, use, or disposal. There was no excessive environmental risk identified by the assessment.

Next Steps

To address the determined unjustified risks, EPA will begin the risk management procedure in accordance with TSCA Section 6. The statute mandates that EPA submit a rule proposal within a

year. Before the draft regulation is implemented, the public will have a chance to comment on it, guaranteeing that workers are safeguarded from the hazards that have been identified.

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