Toxicity Profiles

RAGs A Format for 1,1-Dichloroethylene - CAS Number 75354

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. Also called 1,1-dichloroethene. 1,1-Dichloroethylene is used primarily in the production of polyvinylidine chloride (PVC) copolymers and as an intermediate for synthesis of organic chemicals. 1,1-Dichloroethylene is also used to make certain plastics, such as flexible films like food wrap; used in packaging materials; used to make flame retardant coatings for fiber and carpet backings; and used in piping, coating for steel pipes, and adhesive applications.

The main effect from breathing high levels (approximately 4000 ppm) of 1,1-dichloroethylene is on the central nervous system. Breathing high levels of the chemical may cause loss of breath and fainting. Breathing lower levels of 1,1-dichloroethylene in air for a long time may damage the nervous system, liver, and lungs. Workers exposed to 1,1-dichloroethylene have reported a loss in liver function, but other chemicals were present. Animals that breathed high levels of 1,1-dichloroethylene had damaged livers, kidneys, and lungs. Animals that ingested high levels of 1,1-dichloroethylene had damaged livers, kidneys, and lungs. Spilling 1,1-dichloroethylene on skin or in eyes can cause irritation.

Studies on workers who breathed 1,1-dichloroethylene have not shown an increase in cancer. These studies, however, are not conclusive because of the small numbers of workers and the short time studied. Animal studies have shown mixed results. Several studies reported an increase in tumors in rats and mice, and other studies reported no such effects. In one inhalation study, statistically significant increases in renal adenocarcinomas were noted in male Swiss mice exposed to 25 ppm for 12 months. Also observed were statistically significant increases in mammary gland carcinomas in females and lung tumors in both sexes. Based on EPA guidelines, 1,1-dichloroethylene was assigned to weight-of-evidence group C, possible human carcinogen.

The following is a presentation of the toxicity information associated with 1,1-Dichloroethylene.

Noncarcinogenic Health Effects
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is 9.00E-03 (mg/kg-day).
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose has a modifying factor of 1.
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose has an uncertainty factor of 1000.
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is based on the Quast et al. study from 1983.
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose study target organ is liver.
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose study critical effect is lesions.
  • The overall confidence in the Oral Chronic Reference Dose is medium.

  • The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is 9.00E-03 (mg/kg-day).
  • The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is based on a gastrointestinal absorption factor of 1.0000.

Carcinogenic Health Effects
  • The Oral Slope Factor is 6.00E-01 (mg/kg-day)-1.
  • The Oral Slope Factor study target organ is adrenal.
  • The Oral Slope Factor study cancer type is pheochromocytomas.
  • The Oral Slope Factor is based on the NTP study from 1982.

  • The Inhalation Unit Risk is 5.0E-02 (mg/m3)-1.
  • The Inhalation Unit Risk study target organ is kidney.
  • The Inhalation Unit Risk study cancer type is Adenocarcinoma.
  • The Inhalation Unit Risk is based on the Maltoni et al. study from 1985.

  • The Dermal Slope Factor is 6.00E-01 (mg/kg-day)-1.
  • The Dermal Slope Factor is based on a gastrointestinal absorption factor of 1.0000.