Preventing Occupational Exposure Risks to 1-Bromopropane

In March of this year, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment and peer review a draft risk assessment for 1-Bromopropane (1-BP). The draft assessment of 1-Bromopropane, also known as n-propyl bromide, was conducted as part of EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Work Plan assessment effort.
 
According to the EPA, 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.
 
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the use of 1-BP has increased in the workplace over the past 20 years. OSHA states that 1-BP is often found in products used in vapor and immersion degreasing operations for cleaning metals, plastics, and electronic and optical components; adhesive spray applications; dry cleaning; and solvent sprays used in operations like asphalt production, aircraft maintenance and synthetic fiber manufacturing.
 
“Workers in a number of industries can be exposed to 1-BP by breathing vapors or mists that contain the chemical as well as through skin contact,” said Susan Ripple, CIH® and Chair of ABIH®. “Because the use of 1-BP is pervasive in so many industries, evaluating and communicating worker exposure risks to 1-BP is important to protect people’s health. Certified Industrial Hygienists are uniquely qualified to conduct these types of risks assessments and protect workers from exposure.  Core competencies of the CIH® program include air sampling and instrumentational analysis; chemical and biohazards; engineering controls and ventilation; health risk analysis and hazard communication; and work environments and industrial processes. This knowledge and the proper use of personal protective equipment can be instrumental in reducing exposure risks to 1-BP and other potential hazards.”
 
To learn more about the American Board of Industrial Hygiene®, Certified Industrial Hygienist® credential or to locate a CIH® to perform industrial hygiene services, please visit www.ABIH.org, email abih@ABIH.org or call (517) 321-2638.
 
About the American Board of Industrial Hygiene ®
Since 1960, ABIH®, a not-for-profit corporation, has been the world’s largest organization for certifying professionals in the practice of industrial hygiene. ABIH® is the premier credentialing body responsible for ensuring high-quality certification including education, experience, examination, certification maintenance and ethics enforcement.  Currently, more than 6800 people in 32 countries are certified to use the CIH® designation.
 

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Paul Cochrane

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