Fact Sheet – Final Rulemaking: Listing of Substitutes for Ozone-depleting Substances — n-Propyl Bromide in Solvent Cleaning

ACTION

• On May 15, 2007, EPA is finalizing a decision to list the chemical n-propyl bromide as acceptable (legal) for metals, electronics cleaning, and precision cleaning in equipment as a substitute for ozone depleting CFC-113 and methyl chloroform under the Clean Air Act.
• EPA is also issuing a separate proposal for other uses of n-propyl bromide (nPB).

BACKGROUND

• n-Propyl bromide is also called 1-bromopropane. n-Propyl bromide is a nonflammable organic solvent with a strong odor. Its Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN) is 106-94-5. n-Propyl bromide’s main uses are in degreasing and spray adhesives. Brand name products containing n-propyl bromide include Abzol, Ensolv and Solvon cleaners, Ensolv-NDI aerosol cleaner, Whisper Spray, and fire retardant Soft Seam adhesives, among others.
• Since EPA’s initial proposal in 2003, additional exposure data and studies on the adverse effects of nPB on human health have become available which are discussed in the regulation. Considering all available information, EPA finds that n-propyl bromide does not significantly increase overall risks to human health and the environment compared to other cleaning solvents that EPA has found acceptable for metals, electronics, and precision cleaning.
• EPA is considering exposures in the following ranges to be potentially protective: 17 to 22 parts per million (ppm), to protect the female reproductive system; 18 to 30 ppm, to protect the male reproductive system; and 20 ppm, to ensure reproductive success.
• Through the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, the EPA is finalizing the use of n-propyl bromide as an alternative to ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in some, but not all, end uses. The SNAP program implements section 612 of the Clean Air Act, which requires EPA to evaluate substitutes for ODSs to ensure they minimize risk to human health and the environment which contributes to the success of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
• EPA is commemorating the successes of the Montreal Protocol by celebrating the 20th anniversary of its 1987 signing and is planning a number of special events and activities this year.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

• Additional information on n-propyl bromide’s Final Rule can be found at on the Federal Register’s website at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html or from EPA’s SNAP Program Website at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/index.html.
• For further information about this action, contact Margaret Sheppard of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs at (202) 343-9163 or at sheppard.margaret@epa.gov.