1-bromopropane (n-propyl bromide)

Cherie Berry, Commissioner of Labor 1-800-625-2267 ♦ www.nclabor.com Occupational Safety and Health Division HOI Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-HOI 1-Bromopropane (n- Propyl Bromide) l-Bromopropane (1-BP) is a new solvent that is effective in dissolving fats, waxes and resins. Two of its main uses arc in degreasing agents and in spray adhesives. 1-BP is being used in the furniture industry and as a solvent for adhesives used in constructing foam cushions. The dry cleaning industry, among others, has considered using 1-BP as a replacement for other oiganic solvents that damage the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. The N.C. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSH) is very concerned about the health effects of 1 -bromopropane. OSH is issuing this health hazard alert because 1 -bromopropane is being coasidered for widespread use and is not regulated to protect workers, coasumcrs or the environment. North Carolina docs not currently have a permissible exposure limit for 1 -bromopropane. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recently published a recommended time-weighted average threshold limit value of 0. 1 parts per mi 11 ion, which Ls equivalent to 05 milligrams of 1-bromopropare ( 1-BP) per cubic meter of air. i Hazards: 1-Bromopropanc can harm both the nervous system and the reproductive system. It can damage the nervous system by interfering with nerve conduction, resulting in limb weakness, pain, numbness, and paralysis.2-3 It can cause reduced fertility and/or sterility in test animals, both male and female, and it can harm the developing fetus in pregnant female test animals. It will soon be tested to find out if it can cause cancer, as many similar chemicals do. Other harmful effects include irritation of the eyes and skinA Health Effects 1 -Bromopropane enters your body when you breathe its vapor or drops of spray in the air. It can also enter through your skin and cause significant problems, depending on the concentration of 1 -BP in the air, your skin contact and exposure time. The toxic effects of 1 -bromopropane in humans have not yet been well studied. Because it is a recently introduced chemical, most information comes from animal testing and not from experience with human use. In most of the animal tests, the animals were exposed to 1 -bromopropane by breathing it in the air. The following outlines health effects that have been studied. Reproductive System 1 -Bromopropane damages the reproductive systems in both male and female animals. In males, it damages the sperm, testicles, prostate, epi¬ didymis and seminal vesicles and reduces testosterone levels, causing sterility. In females, it damages the ovaries and interferes with the estrous cycle, again causing sterility. l-Bromopropane also caused delayed growth in the offspring of animals exposed during pregnancy. Some of these effects were seen at exposure levels as low as 200 ppm in the air, and possibly even at 100 ppm. The reproductive toxicity of 1 -bromopropane has not been studied in humans, but 2-bromopropane, a closely related chemical, has been found to cause long-lasting ovarian failure and absence of sperm in workers. Nervous System 1 -Bromopropane damages the nerves in the amis, legs and body. There is evidence that 1 -bromopropane may also damage the brain. Animal tests have found these effects with exposures as low as 400 ppm. Case reports show that similar effects can occur in humans. Eyes, Nose, Throat and Skin 1 -Bromopropane is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat at exposure levels of perhaps 30 ppm. Like other organic solvents, the liquid can dissolve the natural protective oils on skin and cause dermatitis (dry, rough, red, cracked skin). Liver Very high exposures may harm the liver. It Ls not known whether exposure levels likely to be found in the workplace present any risks to the liver. Cancer The National Toxicology Program (NTP) recommends 1 -bromopropane to be listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.5 Many similar chemicals, such as dibromochloropropane, do cause cancer. In some tests, but not in others, 1 -bromopropane has caused genetic mutatioas. Chemicals that cause mutatioas can often cause cancer as well. How to Reduce Health Risks Substitution. The best way to reduce exposure is to switch to products that do not contain 1 -bromopropane. ♦> Using less. If 1 -bromopropane products must be used, q uantitics should be kept as small as possible, and containers should be kept closed between uses. Other engineering controls. Vapor degreasing systems should include controlled hoists, effective cooling coils and lids. ••• Ventilation. Make surc that there is good ventilation. Local exhaust ventilation is most effective because it captures contaminated air at the source. ❖ Personal protective equipment Aproas, gloves, goggles and respirators approved for use with organic chemicals can be effective in helping workers avoid exposure. continued on раде 2