1,2-Dichloroethylene

Production and use in chemical manufacturing and solvent applications; releases from factories, storage, spills, and hazardous waste sites. It breaks down in air within days but can reach groundwater [1].

Breathing air near industrial uses or contaminated sites; drinking contaminated well water; workplace inhalation or skin contact during manufacturing or degreasing [1][2][3].

Short-term high levels can cause headache, dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea; very high levels can affect the lungs and nervous system. Repeated exposure may affect the liver or blood (mainly in animals). It is not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity by EPA [1][2][3].

Workers in chemical production/degreasing, people using contaminated private wells, and sensitive groups such as pregnant people, infants, and those with liver or kidney disease [1].

If you live near industrial sites or spills, test private well water; use an alternative water source or certified treatment if contaminated. Improve ventilation around solvent use and follow workplace controls and PPE [1][2].