EPA Proposes to Prohibit Consumer and Industrial Use of Solvent 1-Bromopropane
EPA is proposing to ban consumer use, as well as restrict commercial and industrial use, of the solvent 1-bromopropane (1-BP), which the federal agency says can cause cancer and damage to the liver, kidneys and the nervous system and lead to reduced fertility.
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1-BP is used in cleaning and degreasing operations, spray adhesives and dry cleaning. The solvent is also used in insulation for building and construction materials and in the manufacture of other chemicals.
EPA is proposing to ban all consumer uses of 1-BP except when used in insulation. This ban would go into effect six months after the final rule is published, with full implementation within 15 months.
Industrial uses where 1-BP would be banned include dry cleaning; spot cleaning and stain removers; adhesives and sealants; coin and scissor cleaners; automotive care products used as engine degreasers, brake cleaners and refrigerant flushes; anti-adhesive agents used for mold cleaning and release products; functional fluids used as refrigerants or cutting oils; and arts, crafts and hobby materials.
The ban on industrial and commercial uses would also go into effect six months after the final rule is published, with full implementation occurring within 18 months, EPA said, adding that it has identified safer alternatives to 1-BP.
The proposed rule also calls for worker protections for several industrial and commercial uses of 1-BP, EPA said.
“The science shows that 1-BP can cause cancer and other serious health problems, and today’s action is an important step to use the power of our nation’s chemical safety law to finally protect people from this dangerous chemical and prevent cancer-causing exposure,” Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, said in a July 31 release. “Our proposal would end all unsafe consumer exposures from this chemical and put strict protections in place for workers to ensure critical uses can continue safely.”
The agency is welcoming public comments on the proposed restrictions, including feedback on the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed requirements from manufacturers, processors and laboratories that use 1-BP. EPA is conducting this proposed rulemaking under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Comments will be accepted for 45 days following publication in the Federal Register. EPA also will host a webinar on the proposed rule on Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. EDT.