Occupational Health Concerns due to 1-Bromopropane Exposure

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) is a solvent that has been increasingly used in the workplace over the past 20 years. In early 2016, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment and peer review a draft risk assessment of 1-BP, also known as n-propyl bromide. The document estimates that there could be over 48,000 workers and occupational non-users that may be at risk of 1-BP exposures due to aerosol and vapor degreasing, dry cleaning and/or spot cleaning, and from spray adhesives.
 
Workers can be exposed to 1-BP by breathing vapors or mists that contain the chemical, as well as through skin contact. According to the draft risk assessment, 1-BP showed acute risks to women of childbearing age from adverse developmental effects. Other non-cancer and cancer health risks were identified for workers with repeated and chronic exposures, including neurotoxicity; kidney, liver and reproductive toxicity; and lung cancer.
 
In August, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added 1-BP to the list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer for purposes of Proposition 65. The listing was based on formal identification by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) that the solvent causes cancer. 
 
“The first step in preventing occupational exposures to 1-BP is to identify and evaluate potential exposure risks in the workplace,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL provides comprehensive testing services and all of the sampling supplies needed to test for 1-BP. Utilizing alternatives to 1-BP, the proper use of personal protective equipment and ensuring adequate ventilation can all help to mitigate potential exposure hazards.”
 
EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about 1-bromopropane and occupational exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Ocm-1IYZus8.
 
To learn more about 1-bromopropane or other air quality, occupational, environmental, health and safety testing services and products, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasa

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail