Assessment of Potential Hazards Associated with 1-Bromopropane (1-BP)

Assessment of Potential Hazards Associated with 1-Bromopropane (1-BP)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step in addressing the potential risks posed by the chemical substance 1-bromopropane (1-BP). On December 22, 2022, the EPA finalized a rule to add 1-BP to the federal list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) under the Clean Air Act.

In a separate development, the EPA proposed a risk management rule to address the unreasonable risk posed by 1-BP to human health in July 2024. The final revised risk determination for 1-BP, released in December 2022, finds that the chemical presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health under its conditions of use.

The risk to workers, occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders drives the whole chemical determination of unreasonable risk. The primary health risks identified in the risk evaluation are developmental toxicity from short-term and long-term inhalation and dermal exposure to the chemical and cancer from long-term inhalation and dermal exposure.

The revised risk determination does not assume that workers exposed to 1-BP are always provided or appropriately wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Instead, it considers the use of PPE, engineering controls, and other ways industry protects its workers as potential ways to address unreasonable risk in the risk management rule development process.

Out of the 25 conditions of use evaluated, 23 drive the determination that 1-BP presents an unreasonable risk. The conditions of use that do not drive the unreasonable risk include commercial and consumer use of 1-BP in insulation for building and construction materials, and distribution in commerce.

The EPA assessed the impact of 1-BP on all relevant groups, including workers, occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders to consumer use. Several risk calculators and exposure models support the final risk evaluation for 1-BP.

As the process moves forward, there will be opportunities for public comment as EPA works to propose and finalize risk management actions for 1-BP. To stay informed, you can sign up for email alerts or check the public dockets at EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0741 and EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0471 at www.regulations.gov.

It is essential to note that while the EPA has taken steps regarding 1-BP, there is no specific information about a proposed rule for the EPA's Risk Management Program (RMP) specifically for 1-BP. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the finalization of any proposed rule under the EPA's Risk Management Program for 1-BP, it would be best to consult the EPA's official announcements or contact their office directly.

On a separate note, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) in California is currently proposing No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs) for 1-BP under Proposition 65, with public comments accepted until October 6, 2025. Additionally, the EPA published a proposed rule on 1-BP under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) on August 8, 2024.

[1] OEHHA. (2021). Proposed No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) for 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) Under Proposition 65. Retrieved from https://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/proposed-nsrls

[2] EPA. (2022). Final Revised Risk Determination for 1-Bromopropane (1-BP). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/final-revised-risk-determinations-1-bromopropane-1-bp

[3] EPA. (2022). Final Rule: Addition of 1-Bromopropane to the List of Hazardous Air Pollutants. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/22/2022-28026/addition-of-1-bromopropane-to-the-list-of-hazardous-air-pollutants

[4] EPA. (2024). Proposed Rule on 1-Bromopropane Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/08/2024-15489/proposed-rule-on-1-bromopropane-under-the-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca

1. The EPA's decision to add 1-bromopropane (1-BP) to the federal list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) under the Clean Air Act speaks volumes about the agency's commitment to workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness.
2. The potential risks of 1-BP extend beyond workers, encompassing occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders, as the EPA's risk evaluation reveals.
3. In line with the findings of the risk evaluation, the primary health risks associated with 1-BP are developmental toxicity and cancer, stemming from short-term and long-term inhalation and dermal exposure.
4. The EPA's revised risk determination acknowledges that workers may not always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), highlighting the need for extended protective measures in the workplace.
5. Out of the 25 conditions of use evaluated, 23 demonstrate that 1-BP poses an unreasonable risk, except for commercial and consumer use in insulation and distribution in commerce.
6. To inform the public about the ongoing process and potential risk management actions for 1-BP, email alerts and public dockets on the EPA's website are available.
7. The absence of specific information about an EPA's Risk Management Program (RMP) rule for 1-BP emphasizes the importance of staying updated with official announcements or contacting the EPA directly.
8. In a parallel move, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) in California is proposing No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs) for 1-BP under Proposition 65 with public comments accepted until October 6, 2025.
9. The EPA's publication of a proposed rule on 1-BP under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) on August 8, 2024, is yet another significant step in addressing the potential risks of this chemical substance.
10. The EPA's final revised risk determination for 1-BP, released in December 2022, stresses the importance of considering engineering controls and other protective methods in addition to PPE in mitigating unreasonable risks.
11. The health-and-wellness sector must pay heed to the EPA's findings and take necessary measures to protect workers from the potential hazards posed by 1-BP.
12. Sports organizations should also consider the health implications of 1-BP, as it has been identified as a potential hazard in several medical-conditions, especially in regards to athletic performance and long-term health effects.
13. The fitness-and-exercise industry should adopt eco-friendly practices, as this approach aligns with both environmental-science and health-and-wellness interests.
14. Investment in companies that prioritize workplace-wellness and chemical hazard mitigation could yield significant returns, as responsible business practices lead to big-wins in terms of corporate reputation and financial returns.
15. Personal and home-care products that are free of harmful chemicals, such as 1-BP, help promote a healthier lifestyle for consumers.
16. Consumers can make informed choices by learning about the hazardous impact of certain chemicals, such as 1-BP, in food-and-drink, personal-care, and household items.
17. The role of data-and-cloud-computing in monitoring and managing the use of potentially hazardous chemicals, like 1-BP, within various industries cannot be overlooked.
18. Companies that invest in technology for the purpose of enhancing their sustainability practices, reducing their carbon footprint, and promoting workplace-wellness, are poised for success in the dynamic business landscape.
19. The rise of e-learning platforms and self-development resources has made it easier for individuals to educate themselves on various topics, including responsible-gambling and minimizing the risks associated with casino-and-gambling, casino-games, lotteries, and sports-betting.
20. With the growing awareness of climate-change and its impact on our lives, it is crucial for us to make informed choices in our lifestyle, personal-finance, and investments that contribute to a greener and healthier planet.
21. In light of the increased focus on sports-analysis and sports-betting, it is essential for sports organizations and gambling establishments to adopt responsible practices to protect athletes and consumers alike.
22. The proliferation of sports-betting apps and online gambling platforms necessitates regulatory measures to ensure fairness and protect vulnerable individuals from the potential risks associated with excessive gambling.
23. Weather patterns and extreme events, driven by climate-change, could have a profound impact on various industries, including sports, farming, and business, highlighting the need for climate-change mitigation strategies.
24. The advancements in both scientific research and technology offer promising solutions for the treatment and management of medical-conditions associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as 1-BP, as well as addressing climate-change and promoting overall health-and-wellness.

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