Risk Evaluation for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

In August 2026, EPA released the draft risk evaluation and associated technical support documents for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene.

EPA will accept public comments on the draft risk evaluation for 60 days in the ethylene dibromide TSCA docket (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0465) at www.regulations.gov.

EPA designated trans-1,2-dichloroethylene 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:

What is trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene?
Draft Risk Evaluation for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Draft Risk Evaluation and Supporting Documents

What is trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene?

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (CASRN 156-60-5) is a colorless liquid, with a sharp, harsh odor, and is highly flammable. The primary uses for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene are as a solvent in processing and in formulations for cleaning and degreasing. Information from the 2024 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene indicates the reported production volume is between 1 million and 5 million lbs/year.

Draft Risk Evaluation for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

Using the best available science and weight of scientific evidence, EPA's draft risk evaluation preliminarily finds that 20 of 25 assessed conditions of use under TSCA significantly contribute to unreasonable risk to human health. The preliminary unreasonable risk determination is driven primarily by non-cancer inhalation risks to workers and occupational non-users (ONUs), with 19 conditions of use contributing to risk for workers and 13 of those also contributing to risk for ONUs. One consumer use of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene as a cleaner or degreaser was preliminarily found to contribute to unreasonable risk based on acute and intermediate non-cancer inhalation exposure.

EPA did not preliminarily identify unreasonable risk for the general population, including fenceline communities, or to the environment under the conditions of use evaluated. EPA also did not identify unreasonable risk from dermal exposure to workers, ONUs, or consumers. Five conditions of use do not significantly contribute to the preliminary unreasonable risk determination, including distribution in commerce, disposal, laboratory chemical use, use in semiconductor and photovoltaic processing aids, and consumer use of polymer foam propellants.

EPA will move quickly under TSCA, after public comment, to finalize the risk evaluation. Should the Agency continue to find unreasonable risk, EPA will then propose risk management actions under TSCA to address these unsafe workplace exposures.

EPA emphasizes that this evaluation is draft and does not represent a final Agency determination regarding the risks posed by this chemical. The findings and conclusions may change based on feedback received during the public comment period. Additionally, the release of a draft evaluation does not alter or impact any existing protections, regulations, or risk management measures currently in place for this chemical. All current safeguards remain in place.

Draft Risk Evaluation and Supporting Documents

View the Federal Register Notice and supporting documents in EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0465.

Risk Evaluation for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

What is trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene?

Draft Risk Evaluation for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

Draft Risk Evaluation and Supporting Documents

Assessing and Managing Chemicals under TSCA