SUMMARY REVIEW OF HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH MONOCHLOROETHANE: HEALTH ISSUE ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Monochloroethane (ethyl chloride) is released into the environment from anthropogenic sources and has been identified in air samples from locations around the U.S. The major route of exposure is inhalation. Histopathological changes in the lungs, liver and kidneys have been observed in animals at concentrations >20,000 ppm. Severe toxic effects were seen at concentrations >40,000 ppm. Humans exposed to high concentrations exhibited CNS, cardiac, and respiratory effects. There is no conclusive information about chronic toxicity of monochloroethane to humans, and it is in EPA's Group D as to carcinogencity. Monochloroethane was found to be non-teratogenic in one animal study.

Citation

Opresko, D. SUMMARY REVIEW OF HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH MONOCHLOROETHANE: HEALTH ISSUE ASSESSMENT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/8-88/080 (NTIS PB88236047).

Additional Information

Prepared in cooperation with Oak Ridge National Lab., TN.

• SUMMARY REVIEW OF HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH MONOCHLOROETHANE: HEALTH ISSUE ASSESSMENT