News Details

On April 25, 2026, Canadian federal health and environmental authorities proposed adding1-bromopropane to Schedule 1 (the Toxic Substances List) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). This proposal follows a screening assessment of four industrial chemicals collectively referred to as the Alkyl Halides Group under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). This step typically leads to the development of risk management measures. 

What Is 1-Bromopropane and Why Is It a Concern? 

1-Bromopropane (CAS RN 106-94-5) is a solvent found in several consumer products, including silicone mold release sprays, electronic cleaner sprays, and automotive air conditioning flush products. Between 1,000 and 10,000 kilograms were domestically manufactured in Canada as far back as 2008, with import volumes reaching up to one million kilograms that same year. 

Regulators identified three categories of health concern linked to the chemical: cancer risk, developmental toxicity, and neurotoxicity. Although lifetime cancer risk from airborne exposure was not considered a health concern, the safety margins between estimated consumer exposure levels and the harmful effects observed in animal studies were found to be potentially insufficient, particularly for individuals using silicone sprays, electronic cleaners, and A/C flush products. Inhalation is the primary route of concern. 

Under CEPA's Section 64(c) criteria, a substance qualifies as dangerous if it enters the environment under conditions that constitute - or may constitute - a danger to human life or health. Authorities concluded that 1-bromopropane meets this threshold. 

Three Other Chemicals Found not to Pose a Risk 

The remaining three substances assessed - bromoethane, chloroethane, and trans-1,2-dichloroethene - were each cleared of significant risk at current exposure levels. 

Bromoethane (CAS RN 74-96-4) reaches the general population mainly through indoor and outdoor air. Regulators determined that the cancer risk from airborne exposure is not a meaningful concern, and that safety margins for non-cancer effects, such as nasal tissue changes observed in animal studies, are sufficient. 

Chloroethane (CAS RN 75-00-3), which Canadians may encounter through ambient air or engine starting fluid sprays, was similarly assessed as posing no unacceptable health risk. Although developmental toxicity and cancer were identified as the critical effects to monitor current exposure levels fall well within acceptable safety margins. 

Trans-1,2-dichloroethene (CAS RN 156-60-5) is used in some textile spot cleaners and imported in quantities exceeding 380,000 kilograms as of 2011. It was assessed with immunotoxicity as the primary concern for long-term exposure and developmental effects for short-term exposure. Regulators concluded that the safety margins are adequate under current conditions. 

All four substances were also evaluated for environmental impact using an ecological risk classification model. None were found likely to cause harm to ecosystems, biodiversity, or the natural environment. 

Next Steps and Consultation 

Authorities have released a risk management scope document for 1-bromopropane to initiate discussions with industry stakeholders on potential regulatory options. A 60-day public comment period is now open, during which individuals and organizations may submit written feedback to the Department of the Environment.