Biden-Harris Administration Proposes Ban on Several Uses of Carcinogenic 1-Bromopropane

On July 31, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to restrict the use of the solvent 1-bromopropane (1-BP), which has been linked to serious health risks, including cancer. This proposed rule, which would ban all but one consumer use and some workplace uses of 1-BP, is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to protect public health. This is the seventh chemical to be addressed under TSCA Section 6(a).

About 1-Bromopropane

1-BP, a common solvent used in cleaning, adhesives, and construction materials, is also found in consumer products such as aerosol degreasers, spot cleaners, and insulation. Exposure to 1-BP can lead to severe health issues, including cancers of the skin, lungs, and intestines; damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system; and effects on the reproductive system that may reduce fertility.

Details of the Proposed Rule:

EPA is proposing to ban all consumer uses of 1-BP, with the exception of insulation, as it was found not to pose unreasonable risks to humans.  This ban on consumer uses would start within six months of the final rule and be fully enforced within 15 months.

Additionally, EPA plans to prohibit certain industrial and commercial uses of 1-BP, where safer alternatives are available. This industrial and commercial ban would also take effect six months after the final rule and be fully implemented within 18 months.

The industrial and commercial uses that would be prohibited 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.

Worker Protections

EPA is proposing enhanced worker protections for industrial and commercial uses of 1-BP that are not banned under the new rule, in support of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. The proposed regulations would require non-federal workplaces to implement a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (including an exposure limit) within 12 months for ongoing uses of 1-BP deemed to pose an unreasonable health risk. Additionally, non-federal workplaces would be required to use chemical-resistant gloves for activities such as manufacturing, processing, and disposal. Federal agencies and contractors would be required to meet these standards within three years.

Public Participation

EPA invites public feedback on the proposed 1-BP rule, which will be open for comments for 45 days after its publication in the Federal Register. Members of the public may submit comments to docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0471 at the Regulations.gov page.

More details on the 1-BP proposal are available here.