| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Definition | ||
| Ethylene dibromide | 1,2-Dibromoethane is a manufactured chemical. It also occurs naturally in small amounts in the ocean where it is formed, probably by algae and kelp. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. Other names for 1,2-dibromoethane are ethylene dibromide, ethylene bromide, EDB, and glycol bromide. It is manufactured by the reaction of ethylene with bromine. Trade names include Bromofume and Dowfume. (references) | ||
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| Ethylene Dibromide | Health | An effective soil fumigant, insecticide, and nematocide. In humans, it causes severe burning of skin and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Prolonged inhalation may cause liver necrosis. It is also used in gasoline. Members of this group have caused liver and lung cancers in rodents. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), 1,2-dibromoethane may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen. (references) | |
| Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) | Administration | A chemical used as an agricultural fumigant and in certain industrial processes. Extremely toxic and found to be a carcinogen in laboratory animals, EDB has been banned for most agricultural uses in the United States. (references) | |
| Ethylene dibromide (EDB) | Public Administration | Is a colorless, nonflammable, heavy liquid with a sweetish odor; slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether and most organic solvents; used as an additive in leaded gasoline; as a soil and grain fumigant; in waterproofing preparations and as a solvent for resins, gums, and waxes. Its use was ceased in 1984 for these applications. The federal Department of Health and Human Services has determined that ethylene dibromide may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen. There are no reports of cancer in workers or other people exposed for several years. However, rats and mice that breathed, swallowed, or touched it for long periods had cancer in many organs. (references) | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
