This test method is useful for the analysis of drinking water and groundwaters. Other waters may be analyzed by this method, see 1.2.

EDB and DBCP have been widely used as soil fumigants. EDB is also used as a lead scavenger in leaded gasolines. These compounds are very water soluble and are often found in groundwater and drinking water. Since they are highly toxic and are suspected carcinogens, there is concern about the potential health impact of even extremely low concentrations in potable water.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of 1,2-dibromoethane (commonly referred to as ethylene dibromide or EDB) and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (commonly referred to as DBCP) in water at a minimum detection level of 0.010 μg/L by liquid-liquid extraction combined with gas-liquid chromatography. This test method is applicable to the analysis of drinking waters and groundwaters. It is not recommended for wastewaters, due to the potential for interferences from high concentrations of other extractable organics. Similar information can be found in EPA Method 504.

1.2 This test method was used successfully with reagent water and groundwater. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Sections 6 and 9.