ethylene dichloride poisoning, the toxic effects of exposure to ethylene dichloride, a hydrocarbon solvent, diluent, and fumigant, which is one of the most abundant of all chlorinated organic chemicals. It is an eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin irritant and has produced cancers in laboratory animals. Inhalation or ingestion can lead to serious illness or death. The compound is metabolized into 2-chloroethanol and monochloroacetic acid, both more toxic than the original chemical.
