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
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