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1,1,2-Trichloroethane

Report

To read the report please click here.

This marine risk assessment was also published in a peer-reviewed journal: De Rooij,C. et al., 1998. Euro Chlor risk assessment for the marine environment Osparcom region: North Sea – 1,1,2-trichloroethane. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Vol. 53, (3), 447-466.

Summary

Current usage of 1,1,2-trichloroethane does not represent a risk to the marine environment in the North Sea. This conclusion is based on 76 aquatic toxicity studies, plus 1991-95 North Sea analytical monitoring results.

Applications of 1,1,2-trichloroethane

1,1,2-trichloroethane is a major process intermediate in production of compounds such as 1,2-dichloroethane and chlorinated solvents.

Evaluation of environmental risk

For 1,1,2-trichloroethane, the evaluation of toxicity was based on nine sets of data for algae, 45 for invertebrates and 22 for fish in both marine and freshwater media. These were assessed using the environmental quality criteria recommended by the European authorities.

Both acute and chronic toxicity studies were taken into account, and the appropriate assessment factors were used to define a final Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) value of 300 µg/litre.

Monitoring measurements were taken in Germany (Elbe and Weser estuaries), the German/Dutch border (Rhine), the Netherlands (Rhine, Ijsselmeer), the Belgian/Dutch border (Meuse), and coastal waters (Nordsee/Schlei, Ostsee).

The most recent data (1991-95) support a typical PEC of 0.01 µg 1,1,2-trichloroethane/l water and a worst case PEC of 5 µg/l water. Data on persistence of 1,1,2-trichloroethane indicate a half-life in water of a few hours or days, and negligible bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. It is not a substance which should be considered as being persistent, toxic and liable to bioaccumulate (PTB) in the environment.

Conclusion

When the environmental concentration of 1,1,2-trichloroethane in rivers and coastal waters/estuaries is compared with the predicted no-effect level to give the PEC/PNEC ratio, there is a safety margin of 60-30 000 between actual exposure and the level at which no effect on the environment would be expected. This calculation takes no account of any further dilution within the sea, which would increase these safety margins.

Current use of 1,1,2-trichloroethane does not, therefore, represent a risk to the marine environment.

Risk assessment conclusion

North Sea monitoring data on 1,1,2-trichloroethane