ToxFAQs™ for Bis(2-chloroethyl) Ether (BCEE)
Spanish: Ćter Bis(2-CloroetĆlico)
CAS#: 111-44-4
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What is bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is a man-made chemical that does not occur naturally. It is a colorless, nonflammable liquid with a strong unpleasant odor. It dissolves easily in water, and some will slowly evaporate to the air.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is mostly used as an intermediate to make pesticides and other chemicals. It can also be used as a solvent, cleaner, component of paint and varnish, and rust inhibitor.
What happens to bis(2-chloroethyl) ether in the environment?
In the environment, bis(2-chlorethyl) ether will slowly evaporate from surface water and soil into the air. Because bis(2-chlorethyl) ether dissolves in water, it is removed from the air by rain creating a cycle between water, soil, and air. Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether does not stick strongly to the soil so some may move into the groundwater. Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether can be broken down by bacteria in water and soil. It does not build up (accumulate) in plants or animals.
How can I be exposed to bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
The most likely way to be exposed to bis(2-chlorethyl) ether is by drinking water contaminated with it. You may also be exposed to low levels if you live near a waste site or industrial facility containing bis(2-chlorethyl) ether by either breathing contaminated air or touching contaminated soil.
You may be exposed if you work at a facility that uses bis(2-chlorethyl) ether.
How can bis(2-chloroethyl) ether affect my health?
Breathing bis(2-chloroethyl) ether can irrate your nose, throat and eyes.
People who breathed bis(2-chlorethyl) ether in the air for a short period of time had irritated noses, throats, and eyes.
Similar irritation effects were seen in animal studies. Guinea pigs that breathed high levels of bis(2-chlorethyl) ether had irritated noses, skin, and lungs. In addition, some guinea pigs moved slower than normal, became unconscious (passed out), or died.
Can bis(2-chloroethyl) ether cause cancer?
No information is available on the ability of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether to cause cancer in humans.
One study showed mice that ate large amounts of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether for a long period of time developed liver tumors.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not evaluated whether bis(2-chloroethyl) ether can cause cancer in humans.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified bis(2-chloroethyl) ether as a probable human carcinogen (causing cancer in people).
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not evaluated whether bis(2-chloroethyl) ether can cause cancer in humans.
Can I get a medical test to check for bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
There is currently no test to show if you have been exposed to bis(2-chlorethyl) ether.
How can I protect myself and my family from bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
Most people donāt need to take any special steps to avoid bis(2-chlorethyl) ether in their daily lives. If you use well water and live near a hazardous waste site or a facility that uses bis(2-chlorethyl) ether, you can have your water tested and take precautions if necessary. Children should not play near factories or hazardous waste sites to avoid coming in contact with bis(2-chlorethyl) ether.
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). 2017. Toxicological Profile for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether. Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
For more information:
Call CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636, or submit your question online at
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/Form
Go to ATSDRās Toxicological Profile for Bis(2-Chloroethyl) Ether: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=817&tid=159
Visit ATSDRās Toxic Substances Portal: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/index.aspx
If you have any more questions or concerns, you can also find & contact your ATSDR Regional
Representative at https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/DRO/dro_org.html