2018/19 – Barmah Victoria (Pesticide – Soil Fumigant, Nematocide)

“Single detection of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane in the raw water. At the time of the detection powdered activated carbon was operational in the treatment plant. The risk of WTP breakthrough was low, and all subsequent samples were below the limit of reporting. DBCP Is not listed in the ADWG but the WHO standard was used instead.”  https://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/Portals/0/GV-Water/Documents/Reports/Water%20Quality%20Annual%20Report%20201819%20Goulburn%20Valley%20Water%20-%20Final%20PDF.pdf?ver=2019-10-30-085222-843

1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) was used in the past as a soil fumigant and nematocide on crops; it is no longer used except as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. Acute (short-term) exposure to DBCP in humans results in moderate depression of the central nervous system (CNS) and pulmonary congestion from inhalation, and gastrointestinal distress and pulmonary edema from oral exposure. Chronic (long-term) exposure to DBCP in humans causes male reproductive effects, such as decreased sperm counts. Testicular effects and decreased sperm counts were observed in animals chronically exposed to DBCP by inhalation. Available human data on DBCP and cancer are inadequate. High incidences of tumors of the nasal tract, tongue, adrenal cortex, and lungs of rodents were reported in a National Toxicology Program (NTP) inhalation study. EPA has classified DBCP as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.