EPA Finalizes Risk Evaluation of Solvent 1-BP
A
final risk evaluation
published by EPA in August identifies “unreasonable” risks to workers associated with the chemical 1-bromopropane under certain conditions of use, including as a solvent in industrial and commercial cleaning and degreasing, in adhesives and sealants, in dry cleaning and spot cleaning for clothing, and in several specialty spray and aerosol applications. Occupational non-users, or workers in the general area of 1-BP use, also face unreasonable risks under the same industrial and commercial uses. The agency also identified unreasonable risks for consumer uses such as in spot cleaners and stain removers; in adhesive accelerants used in arts, crafts, and hobby materials; and in automotive care products such as refrigerant flush. EPA says it found no unreasonable risk in other specific conditions of use of 1-BP such as those associated with domestic manufacture, processing as a reactant, and commercial and consumer use in insulation. The agency further states that 1-BP presents no unreasonable risks to the environment. “EPA’s unreasonable risk determinations are due to developmental toxicity from acute exposures, and developmental toxicity and cancer from chronic exposures,” a summary of the risk evaluation (
PDF
) states. Under Toxic Substances Control Act legislation, EPA has two years to finalize actions to address the unreasonable risks identified in its final risk evaluation of 1-BP. The agency states that these proposed regulations could include requirements on how 1-BP is used. EPA’s actions may also limit or prohibit the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of 1-BP.

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