Government Issues 1-Bromopropane Hazard Alert

Solvent linked to neurological disorders

OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have issued a hazard alert instructing employers to take appropriate steps to protect workers from 1-Bromopropane (1-BP), a solvent used in degreasing, dry cleaning, spray adhesives, furniture manufacturing, and aerosol solvents.

Although OSHA does not currently have a specific exposure standard for 1-BP, employers are required by law to keep their workers safe from this recognized hazard.

Occupational exposure to 1-BP has been linked to neurological illnesses, and animal studies show that 1-BP may also cause cancer and reproductive disorders. Controls and personal protective equipment are available to protect workers from 1-BP exposure.

The hazard alert includes a description of the health effects of 1-BP, how workers are exposed, and ways employers can evaluate, reduce, and control exposure. Read the complete hazard alert here.