Overview

Ethylene Dibromide is a naturally occurring (small amounts found in oceans) colorless liquid used in certain reactions. It used to be a common Pesticide but its use in this context was banned in 1984 by the US EPA. It is used sparingly today as a [fumigant] to kill termites and cockroaches.

Chemical Description

Ethylene dibromide is a heavy colorless liquid with a mild sweet odor, similar to Chloroform and is slightly soluble in water ([EPA, 2000] and EPA Factsheet).

chemical formula: C2H4Br2
molecular weight: 187.88 g/mol
vapor pressure: 11.0 mm Hg at 25 °C

Uses

Ethylene Dibromide has been used in the past for several purposes (EPA, 2000):

• as an additive to leaded gasoline; however, since leaded gasoline is now banned, it is no longer used for this purpose.
  
• as a fumigant to protect against insects, pests, and nematodes in citrus, vegetable, and grain crops, and as a fumigant for turf, particularly on golf courses. In 1984, EPA banned its use as a soil and grain fumigant.
  
• currently used in the treatment of felled logs for bark beetles and termites, and control of wax moths in beehives.
  
• used as an intermediate for dyes, resins, waxes, and gums.
  
  

Health Effects

Ethylene Dibromide is a sever skin irritant in liquid form and inhaling or ingesting ethylene dibromide can cause death (EPA, 2000).
Inhalation and Ingestion Symptoms
* burning sensation
* cough
* laboured breathing
* shortness of breath
* unconsciousness and death

Dermal Symptoms
* redness
* pain
* blisters

Environmental Effects

Ethylene Dibromide is most toxic as a vapor, therefore, unless the birds are in a recently sprayed area they are not likely to be affected (EXTOXNET). It is slightly toxic to fish.

Regulation

It is not registered for us use in the US. It was canceled in 1983, after finding elevated levels in groundwater (EXTOXNET).

External Links

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. "Medical Management Guidelines for Ethylene Dibromide". Accessed 6-20-07.

Environmental Protection Agency. " Ethylene Dibromide (Dibromoethane)". January, 2000. Accessed 6-20-07.

Environmental Protection Agency. " Consumer Factsheet on: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE". Accessed 6-20-07.

Extension Toxicology Network. Pesticide Information Profile - Ethylene Dibromide. June, 1996. Accessed 6-20-07.

Pesticide Action Network. Ethylene Dibromide Information. Accessed 6-20-07.