Fact Sheet – Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking: Listing Of Substitutes For Ozone-Depleting Substances — n-Propyl Bromide In Adhesives, Coatings, And Aerosols

On May 15, 2007, EPA proposes to find the chemical n-propyl bromide as acceptable (legal) for a specific coatings application and unacceptable (prohibited) for use in aerosol solvent and adhesive carrier solvent as a substitute for ozone depleting substances under the Clean Air Act.
EPA proposes to find n-propyl bromide unacceptable in aerosols and adhesives based on new information.Exposures associated with these uses may not be sufficiently protective of human health based on available exposure and toxicity data. EPA also proposes to find n-propyl bromide acceptable for a specific coatings application. Exposure data for the specific coatings application indicate that n-propyl bromide can be used safely in that application.
EPA is also issuing a separate final ruling on the use of n-propyl bromide for metals, electronics, and precision cleaning.

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.
n-Propyl bromide substitutes for specific Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances: CFC-113, HCFC-141b and methyl chloroform.
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.

EPA will accept comments on this proposed rule for 60 days. If a hearing is requested EPA will accept comments up to 75 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.
All comments should be identified by Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR- 2002-0064. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
2. E-mail: A-and-R-docket@epa.gov, subject: Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0064.
3. Mail: “EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0064”, Air Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460.
4. Hand Delivery or Courier. Deliver your comments to: EPA Air Docket, EPA West 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 3334, Mail Code 6102T, Washington, DC 20460.

Additional information on the proposed n-propyl bromide rule can be found 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.