This report evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by 1,2-dibromoethane. Although the world demand has been reduced substantially following the bans on the use of leaded gasoline and on agricultural applications, 1,2-dibromoethane is still used in large amounts for many industrial purposes in industrialized countries. The chemical also continues to be used as a gasoline additive in some developing countries. A review of the data on the environmental behaviour of the chemical cites levels detected in the air, ground and surface water, and soil. It also cites that the 1,2-dibromoethane is rapidly absorbed via the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes.