Risk Evaluation for 1,2-Dichloropropane
EPA designated 1,2-dichloropropane as a high priority chemical in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.
Find other information about other chemicals undergoing risk evaluations under TSCA.
On this page:
- Background on 1,2-Dichloropropane
- Uses of 1,2-Dichloropropane
- Recent Activities and Opportunities for Public Comment
Background on 1,2-Dichloropropane
1,2-dichloropropane (CASRN 78-87-5) is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor, and it is highly flammable. The primary use of 1,2-dichloropropane is in organic chemical manufacturing. Information from the 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) for 1,2-dichloropropane indicates the reported production volume is between 100 million and one billion lbs/year.
Uses of 1,2-Dichloropropane
In the final scope, EPA identified conditions of use associated with the manufacturing (including importing); processing; distribution in commerce; industrial, commercial and consumer uses; and disposal of 1,2-dichloropropane, for example:
- As an intermediate in basic organic chemical manufacturing and other chemical product and preparation manufacturing;
- As an industrial processing aid for paper sizing agents;
- As a laboratory chemical; and
- In cleaning and furnishing care products.
The above listed conditions of use are ways that a person or the environment could be potentially exposed to this chemical. However, when conducting a risk evaluation, EPA also considers the hazards (i.e. health effects or environmental impacts) that could occur from coming in contact with a chemical.
Recent Activities and Opportunities for Public Comment
In August 2020, EPA published a final scope document outlining the hazards, exposures, conditions of use, and the potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations the agency expects to consider in its risk evaluation. The agency released the draft scope in April 2020 and took public comments on the draft document.
- Read the final scope of the risk evaluation for this chemical and EPA’s response to comments on the draft scope.
- View the docket for this chemical, EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0428 on www.regulations.gov.
As EPA continues to move through the risk evaluation process there will be additional opportunities for public comment, including a public comment period on the draft risk evaluation. In addition to public comment periods, EPA will continue to engage with stakeholders as it refines the risk evaluation and stakeholders should reach out to EPA via the staff contact to engage with the agency.