Current Intelligence Bulletin 28: Joint NIOSH/OSHA Vinyl Halides – Carcinogenicity Vinyl Bromide, Vinyl Chloride, and Vinylidene Chloride

The purpose of this bulletin is to recommend that, as a prudent measure, ethylene dichloride (1,2-dichloroethane) be handled in the workplace as if it were a human carcinogen. This recommendation is based primarily upon an analysis of National Cancer Insitute data indicating that laboratory rats and mice fed ethylene dichloride experienced a statistically significant excess of malignant and benign tumors, as compared to controls. NIOSH has prepared this bulletin to advise you of the findings of the NCI study, other pertinent data, including findings on the mutagenic and teratogenioc qualities of ethylene dichloride, and their implications for occupational health. Also included are “Suggested Guidelines for Minimizing Employee Exposure to Ethylene Dichloride.” We are requesting that producers, distributors, professional associations, and unions transmit the information in this Bulletin to their customers, employees, associates, and members.

Current Intelligence Bulletin 28: Joint NIOSH/OSHA Vinyl Halides – Carcinogenicity Vinyl Bromide, Vinyl Chloride, and Vinylidene Chloride