Is 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane?
Also known as: s-Tetrachloroethane, Acetylene tetrachloride, sym-Tetrachloroethane, Bonoform.
- CAS number
- 79-34-5
- Molecular formula
- C2H2Cl4
- Molecular weight
- 167.8 g/mol
- SMILES
- C(C(Cl)Cl)(Cl)Cl
- PubChem CID
- 6591
Risk for babies
High riskInfants are more vulnerable to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown | — | — |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
- Consumer Products — pharmaceutical/industrial use
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane:
-
Point-of-use filtration; Alternative disinfection (UV, ozone)
Trade-offs: Powerful oxidant; effective for taste/odor and micropollutants; decomposes to oxygen (no residual); forms bromate in bromide-containing water; capital cost moderate; operational complexity higher than chlorination.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane?
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane appears in: pharmaceutical/industrial use (Consumer products).
What should I do if my child is exposed to 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane in the baby app
Look up products containing 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- PubChem (2026) — database
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →