TSCA Restrictions Proposed for 1-Bromopropane

Having determined that the chemical 1-bromopropane (1-BP) poses an unreasonable risk to human health, EPA proposed a rule to restrict industrial, commercial, and consumer use of the common solvent under TSCA on August 8, 2024. 

The proposed rule bans the manufacture, processing, or distribution of 1-BP, also called n-propyl bromide, for all consumer uses except insulation and construction/building materials. It also "bans" 1-BP for all industrial and commercial uses except those addressed by new requirements in the rule.  

The rule establishes workplace exposure controls for seven occupational uses of 1-BP, including a requirement for some facility owners/operators to develop a workplace chemical protection program (WCPP).

For six non-prohibited occupational uses of 1-BP, the rule will impose prescriptive controls which include requirements for chemical-resistant gloves. The rule also adds recordkeeping and notification requirements related to ongoing uses of the chemical, and will require purchasers of 1-BP for certain uses to certify compliance with provisions in the rule. 

US EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule until September 23, 2024.

What is 1-bromopropane?

1-BP is a solvent used in vapor degreasing, dry cleaning, spot cleaning, stain removers, sealants, adhesives and a variety of similar activities.

Use of the chemical in the United States increased starting in 2007, when the EPA approved 1-BP as a replacement for more harmful ozone-depleting substances such as tetrachloroethylene under the Clean Air Act’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP).

EPA added 1-bromopropane to the list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act in 2022 and, subsequently, to the list of hazardous substances under CERCLA later that year. 

New to TSCA? New to Environmental Compliance?

If you’re new to the field of environmental compliance or need an update on changing EPA rules, online training is a convenient way to quickly build in-depth expertise.

The Complete Environmental Regulations Online Course will prepare you to identify the 40 CFR regulations that impact your facility and take the steps need to achieve compliance. The course covers the keys to applicability for major EPA air, water, and chemical programs and will help you make informed decisions about environmental compliance. 

Or check out environmental compliance courses focused squarely on TSCA, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water act, Superfund/CERCLA, EPCRA/Right-to-Know, or SPCC Plans for oil spills. 
 

Tags: 1-bromopropane, chemicals, TSCA, TSCA Section 6