What is 1-Bromopropane?
August 25, 2021
What is 1-Bromopropane?
One chemical attracting attention in recent years is 1-bromopropane (1-BP). It is used as a solvent in both commercial and industrial capacities. It can also act as a reactant in manufacturing other chemical substances.
Where is 1-BP used?
Commonly, 1-BP is found in industries like:
- Domestic manufacturing
- Importing
- Repackaging
- Recycling
- Cleaning and degreasing
- Reactant processing
How is 1-BP harmful?
On-the-job exposure to 1-BP has been linked to several physical side effects including skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, confusion, difficulty walking, muscle twitching, and damage to the nervous system. Animal studies even show that this chemical may cause cancer and reproductive disorders.
We once thought of 1-BP as an alternative to ozone-depleting substances, but now we know the proven negative side effects and increased cancer risks. Workers can be exposed to these chemicals by breathing in vapors or mists or through absorption into the skin.
Why am I hearing so much about 1-BP?
Because of the emerging research on 1-BP, and an Executive Order from the Biden administration, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently added 1-BP to a list of hazardous air pollutants.
This is the first time the EPA has added a chemical to that list since the Clean Air Act was amended in 1990. The directives from the Biden administration urge the EPA to revise chemical risk evaluation policies to “position the EPA to move forward with actions to ensure the public is protected from unreasonable risks from chemicals in a way that is supported by science and the law.”
When it comes to 1-BP, the EPA plans to take a close look at whether excluding specific exposure paths from risk evaluations leads to a failure to identify and protect fenceline communities.
How is 1-BP managed?
There are several ways to test for 1-BP. One modern method is gas chromatography used in Method 23, which separates the chemical components of a sample to determine how much 1-BP is present.
Another source test for 1-BP is Method 18. This involves collecting a screening sample in bags to identify compounds and analyze the presence of different chemical components, including 1-BP.
How Montrose Can Help
Montrose Environmental has more than 30 offices with over 450 consultants, project managers, technicians, and engineers in North America. They offer testing and on-site analytics, including current methods for 1-BP exposure like gas chromatography.
These experts are well-versed in complex national and regulatory requirements – making them an integral partner in finding the right solutions for you.
