1,2-DICHLOROETHANE

Chemical manufacturing and solvent uses; releases and spills from plants, storage tanks, and hazardous waste sites can contaminate air and groundwater [1][5].

Breathing outdoor/indoor air near facilities or from some solvent products; drinking contaminated private well water; workplace exposure; skin contact with the liquid [1][2].

Short-term exposure can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea; very high levels can be life‑threatening. Long-term exposure can damage the liver and kidneys and raise cancer risk [1][2][3][4].

Workers in PVC/solvent production, people living near industrial sites or landfills, private-well users in affected areas, and people with liver or kidney disease [1][2].

Check local advisories; test private wells; use certified activated carbon or aeration treatment for VOCs; ventilate when using solvent products; follow workplace protections and dispose of chemicals properly [1][5].