Overview
1,2-Dichloroethylene, a neurotoxic solvent, exists in two different forms: trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and cis-1,2-dichloroethylene. A mixture of the two forms is used to manufacture other solvents and chemical products.
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 60 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 60 ppb for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to internal organs.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL): 100 ppb
The legal limit for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, established in 1991, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals conducted in the 1980s.
ppb = parts per billion
National Standard Exists
Health Concerns:
Harm to the brain and nervous system
Harm to the liver
Harm to the immune system
