Comparative in vivo genotoxicity and acute hepatotoxicity of three 1,2-dihaloethanes.

Hepatic DNA damage was demonstrated by alkaline DNA unwinding/hydroxylapatite batch chromatography in male B6C3F1 mice treated with non-necrogenic doses of 1,2-dichloroethane, 1-bromo-2-chloroethane, and 1,2-dibromoethane. Intraperitoneal administration of 0.5 mmol/kg of 1-bromo-2-chloroethane and 1,2-dibromoethane produced similar levels of DNA damage. A 4-fold higher dose of 1,2-dichloroethane (2.0 mmol/kg) was required to produce a comparable effect.