Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether (BCEE)

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether (BCEE) shares structural features with sulfur mustard (the World War I chemical weapon) and the nitrogen mustards used in early cancer chemotherapy — the bifunctional chloroethyl group is a potent alkylating unit [1]. BCEE was used industrially as a solvent for fats, waxes, and greases; as a selective solvent in oil refining; in textile processing; and as a fumigant and insecticide [2]. It was produced in significant quantities in the mid-20th century. Disposal of BCEE-containing waste led to soil and groundwater contamination at industrial sites across the northeastern United States, and it appears on the EPA Superfund priority pollutant list [1]. Like many chlorinated ethers, it is a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) that sinks to the bottom of aquifers, making remediation difficult and expensive [2].

The primary contemporary exposure pathway is contaminated groundwater near industrial Superfund sites — private well users and community water systems drawing from contaminated aquifers [1]. Historical occupational exposure occurred during production and use in solvent and textile operations [2]. Ambient air near contaminated sites may contain volatilized BCEE [1].

BCEE is a bifunctional alkylating agent whose chloroethyl groups react with nucleophilic sites on DNA, forming crosslinks between DNA strands (similar to mustard gas chemistry) that block replication and transcription [1]. It induced squamous cell carcinomas of the lung and forestomach in rodents and was mutagenic in multiple test systems. EPA classifies it as a probable (B2) human carcinogen; IARC rates it Group 2B [2]. Acute exposure causes severe respiratory tract irritation, pulmonary edema, and CNS depression [1].

Private well users near former industrial sites with BCEE groundwater contamination [1]. Former workers in petroleum refining, textile, and chemical manufacturing [2].

1. Test your well if you live near former industrial sites — request BCEE analysis from a state-certified environmental laboratory [1]. 2. Activated carbon filtration for drinking water if contamination is detected [2]. 3. Report to EPA if you detect BCEE contamination in private wells [1].