Hazard alert warns of 1-bromopropane risks

Washington – A joint OSHA-NIOSH hazard alert issued July 31 highlights the dangers of the solvent 1-bromopropane.

1-BP is used in dry cleaning, furniture manufacturing, degreasing operations and adhesive spray applications. Exposure through inhalation or skin absorption can cause eye, upper-airway and skin irritation, as well as damage to the nervous system, the alert warns. Recommended engineering controls include isolating operations using 1-BP and installing proper ventilation systems.

OSHA and NIOSH said the alert is necessary because 1-BP is increasingly being substituted for other solvents, and was nominated as a chemical of concern during OSHA’s 2010 Web Forum on hazardous chemicals.