1,2-Dibromoethane has been used as a pesticide in soil, and on citrus, vegetable, and grain crops. Uses today include treatment of logs for termites and beetles, control of moths in beehives, and as a preparation for dyes and waxes. It moves into the environment from manufacturing use and leaks at waste sites. When released, it quickly moves to air and will evaporate from surface water and soil to the air. It dissolves in water and will move through soil into the groundwater.
Small amounts remain attached to soil particles.
It is not expected to build up in plants or animals. Your exposure to 1,2-dibromoethane is generally much, much lower than levels that can harm you. We don't know the effects on people of breathing high levels, but animal studies with short-term exposures to high levels caused depression and collapse, indicating effects on the brain. Redness and inflammation, including skin blisters and mouth and stomach ulcers, can occur if large amounts are swallowed. One accidental swallowing caused death in a woman.