The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalised its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation for 1,2-dichloroethane, concluding that the chemical presents an unreasonable risk to worker health under 15 conditions of use. The determination, published in the Federal Register on 5 May 2026, triggers the next phase of TSCA risk management measures for the widely used industrial solvent and chemical intermediate.
The EPA stated that the risks are driven by workplace exposure, while consumer exposure, general population exposure, and environmental impacts were not found to contribute to unreasonable risk under the evaluated conditions of use.
Also known as ethylene dichloride, 1,2-dichloroethane is primarily used in the production of vinyl chloride, the precursor to PVC plastics. According to the EPA, more than 90% of the substance produced globally is converted into vinyl chloride, with annual production and import volumes estimated between 30 and 40 billion pounds.
The EPA described the substance as a volatile, colourless liquid with a chloroform-like odour. In addition to its role in PVC manufacturing, smaller quantities are used in laboratories and may be present in imported articles containing the chemical.
Under TSCA Section 6, the agency must determine whether a chemical presents an unreasonable risk to health or the environment without considering costs or other non-risk factors during the evaluation stage. The EPA said it used the “best available science” and a weight-of-evidence approach to reach its conclusion.
TSCA Risk Management Measures Expected Next
The final risk evaluation means the EPA will now begin developing risk management regulations to reduce occupational exposure risks linked to 1,2-dichloroethane.
Potential regulatory measures could include workplace controls, exposure limits, personal protective equipment requirements, process restrictions, or other operational obligations affecting chemical manufacturers, processors, importers, downstream users, and waste handlers.
The EPA noted that future rulemaking will consider economic impacts, benefits of use, exposure magnitude, and environmental and health effects as required under TSCA Section 6(c)(2).
Stakeholders across the chemicals value chain, particularly PVC producers, industrial manufacturers, logistics providers, and occupational safety teams, are expected to monitor the forthcoming proposals closely due to the chemical’s extensive industrial use.
Long Regulatory Review Process
The agency designated 1,2-dichloroethane as a high-priority substance for evaluation in December 2019. Draft scoping documents, hazard assessments, peer reviews, and public consultations followed over several years before the final determination was issued in 2026.
The Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) reviewed the human health hazard assessment in 2024, with public comments incorporated into the final evaluation.
Industry Implications for Chemical Compliance
The EPA’s finding reinforces increasing regulatory scrutiny of chlorinated solvents and intermediates under TSCA. Companies handling 1,2-dichloroethane may now need to reassess occupational exposure controls, compliance programmes, supply chain communication, and substitution strategies ahead of formal risk management rules.
Organisations involved in vinyl chloride and PVC production could face heightened compliance obligations once proposed regulations are released for consultation.
The Silica Dust (Exposure) Bill proposes new UK measures to address occupational silica exposure, including screening and restrictions on high-risk practices. While still under review, it highlights growing regulatory focus on worker health and may prompt businesses to reassess dust control and compliance strategies.
The EU’s new exposure limits for cobalt, PAHs and 1,4-dioxane will reshape chemical risk management across manufacturing. Compliance deadlines begin soon.
ECHA's RAC concludes that 1,3-butadiene poses significant occupational cancer risks, recommending biomonitoring and deriving an exposure-risk model over a traditional OEL.
