Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
1,3-Dichloropropene (technical-grade)
Quick answer
Classified as Group 2B — possibly carcinogenic, based on limited evidence in humans, alongside stronger evidence in animals. Mostly occupational, via air. Used as a soil fumigant before planting crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers. It volatilizes and breaks down before harvest, so it is not established as a residue in the food — the documented risk is airborne exposure for applicators, farmworkers, and people near treated fields.
Summary
Classified by IARC as Group 2B — possibly carcinogenic to humans. Evidence is limited. (Vol 41, Sup 7, 71, 1999)
What's not established
This classification means the evidence is limited: either limited evidence in humans, or sufficient evidence in animals without enough human data. It does not establish that this factor causes cancer in people, a safe exposure threshold, or your personal risk from a given level of exposure.
Regional relevance
global
Documented in these products
Presence in a product category doesn't imply the product causes cancer. Click each to see the source and context.
Evidence sources
Every claim on this page traces back to one of these. Click through to read the primary document yourself.
Primary sources
IARC
IARC Monographs — Agents Classified Alphabetically (Vols 1–123)
Supporting sources
EPA
US EPA — Soil Fumigants: 1,3-Dichloropropene and Chloropicrin Safe Handling
Last reviewed: October 2026
Official reference list
A government list some readers use alongside the primary evidence. Meyron is not affiliated with it. A chemical being listed does not by itself describe a risk from any particular product.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.