EPA Issues Draft Risk Assessment for Chemical Used in Spray Adhesives, Degreasing

The EPA has released a draft risk assessment for 1-Bromopropane (1-BP), a chemical used in spray adhesives, dry cleaning (including spot cleaners) applications, and degreasing uses.

The assessment, which provides information about risks to workers and consumers that come into contact with 1-BP, also known as n-propyl bromide, is now open to public comment and peer review.

The chemical showed acute risks to women of childbearing age from adverse developmental effects, the EPA says. Other non-cancer and cancer health risks were identified for workers with repeated and chronic exposures, including neurotoxicity, kidney, liver, and reproductive toxicity, and lung cancer.

The draft assessment of 1-BP was conducted as part of the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical Work Plan assessment effort.

In addition to EPA’s assessment, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has issued a draft criteria document for worker exposure to 1-BP, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry examined the hazards of 1-BP associated with different exposure durations.

While each agency’s review has a distinct focus based on their mandates, they draw similar conclusions about the health hazards of 1-BP. The agencies say they will continue to coordinate in addressing concerns associated with this chemical.

The EPA is seeking public comment of this draft assessment for 60 days. The document is available at: www.regulations.gov docket number: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2015-0084 and will be peer reviewed by the EPA’s Chemical Safety Advisory Committee in the spring of 2016.

Last week the EPA proposed changes to its chemical safety rules that will require companies in three industries — paper manufacturing, petroleum and coal products, and chemical manufacturing — to assess whether safer technologies and chemicals are feasible.

Photo Credit: spray adhesive via Shutterstock