Final Risk Evaluation for 1-Bromopropane Released by EPA and Minimizing Risk of Occupational Exposure Hazards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Final Risk Evaluation for 1-Bromopropane earlier this year. The risk evaluation contains the agency’s final determinations on which conditions of use present unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. It was completed as part of the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Back in 2016, the EPA released for public comment and peer review a draft risk assessment of 1-Bromopropane (1-BP), also known as n-propyl bromide. That document estimated there could be over 48,000 workers and occupational non-users that may be at risk of exposure due to aerosol and vapor degreasing, dry cleaning and/or spot cleaning, and from spray adhesives. The draft risk assessment 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 the final risk evaluation of 1-BP, EPA found unreasonable risks to human health from 16 out of 25 conditions,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The agency found unreasonable risks to consumers and bystanders from all consumers use of 1-BP evaluated except for insulation off-gassing. The EPA also found unreasonable risks to workers from most commercial uses of 1-BP and even found unreasonable risks from most commercial uses of this chemical to workers nearby, but not in direct contact with 1-BP.”

The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. provide industrial hygiene and environmental testing services to help minimize the risk of occupational exposures to 1-BP. EMSL also provides all of the sampling supplies needed and carries a full line of respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE). They even sponsored an educational video about 1-bromopropane and occupational exposure concerns several years ago that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Ocm-1IYZus8.

To learn more about 1-BP or other air quality, occupational, environmental, health and safety testing services, 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 46 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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 Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail