Occupational Health Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, September 9, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a proposed rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to safeguard public health and protect consumers and workers from a solvent known as 1-bromopropane (1-BP).

1-BP is widely used in cleaning and degreasing operations, spray adhesives, and dry cleaning. It is also used in insulation for building and construction materials, and in the manufacture of other chemicals. Consumer uses of 1-BP shared by EPA include aerosol degreasers, spot cleaners, stain removers, and insulation.

According to the EPA announcement:

Exposure to this chemical can cause serious health effects such as skin, lung, and intestinal cancer; damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system; and effects on the reproductive systems that lead to reduced fertility. If finalized, the rule would prohibit all but one consumer use of 1-BP, as well as some workplace uses. 

The industrial and commercial uses to be prohibited under the proposed rule include:

• Dry cleaning, spot cleaning, and stain removers
• Adhesives and sealants
• Coin and scissor cleaners
• Automotive care products used as engine degreasers, brake cleaners, and refrigerant flushes
• Anti-adhesive agents used for mold cleaning and release products
• Functional fluids used as refrigerants or cutting oils
• Arts, crafts, and hobby materials

“EPA is also proposing worker protections for most industrial and commercial uses that would not be banned under the rule,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The one consumer use of 1-BP that is not a part of this proposed ban is in insulation because the agency claims it determined that this use did not contribute to the unreasonable risk to people. If approved, the ban on consumer uses would begin to go into effect within six months after the final rule is published and would come fully into force within 15 months. Industrial and commercial use bans would also begin to go into effect six months after the final rule is published and would come fully into effect within 18 months.”

The material, environmental, and industrial hygiene laboratories of EMSL Analytical offer testing services, sampling supplies, and personal protective equipment to identify and mitigate exposure risks to 1-BP and a wide range of hazardous substances. They even sponsored an educational video about 1-bromopropane and occupational exposure concerns several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/Ocm-1IYZus8 

To learn more about 1-BP or other air quality, industrial hygiene, material, environmental, health, and safety testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.