1,2-Dibromoethane (CED0000024)

1,2-Dibromoethane belongs to the organobromides, a class of organohalogen compounds within the organic compounds. This exogenous compound has the chemical formula C2H4Br2 and an average molecular weight of 187.86 g/mol. At room temperature, it exists as a liquid. It serves as a fumigant and an industrial insecticide, and it is identified as a mutagen, a carcinogenic agent, and a marine metabolite (PMC2958679). The compound is released from 43 recorded sources, including aquatic systems and sediments such as seawater, groundwater, freshwater, and surface water; drinking water and water supply including bottled, tap, desalinated, and drinking water; and wastewater, sanitation and biosolids including mine wastewater, industrial wastewater, and wastewater treatment effluent. Other sources include food, food processing and cookware such as food preservation, fermentation processes for beer, and the preparation of wine or sparkling wine or processing meats; building and construction materials including tents or canopies, waterproofing sprays, and sunshades awnings or outside screens; and electrical and electronic equipment such as communication cables or conductors, antennas, discharge lamps, auxiliary devices, and conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials. Exposure routes include oral, touch, and inhalation. 1,2-Dibromoethane interacts with four recorded protein targets. It binds to serum albumin (ALB) and inhibits the estrogen receptor (ESR1 and ESR2), causing endocrine disruption in humans. It also targets methylated-DNA-protein-cysteine methyltransferase (MGMT). Additionally, its metabolite, S-(2-bromoethyl)glutathione, binds to DNA to exert carcinogenic and genotoxic effects. Results regarding its presence in superabsorbent polymer plastics are inconclusive.