EPA seeks comment on revised draft risk evaluation for 1-bromopropane

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is asking for public comment on a draft revised final risk evaluation that states 1-bromopropane, as a whole chemical substance, poses “unreasonable risk” to workers under certain conditions.

According to a notice published in the July 20 Federal Register, 1-BP – frequently used as a solvent in consumer products – is among the first 10 chemicals under evaluation for potential health and environmental risks under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

EPA, which published a final risk evaluation for 1-BP in August 2020, found that the substance poses unreasonable risk to workers involved in various operations, such as domestic manufacturing, importing, processing as a reactant, repackaging, recycling, and use as a solvent for cleaning or degreasing.

The revision aligns with EPA’s June 2021 announcement to change certain aspects of the process under the Lautenberg Act with the objective of ensuring “the public is protected from unreasonable risks from chemicals in a way that is supported by science and the law.”

A corresponding action to that end includes using a “whole substance” approach when determining unreasonable risk – rather than basing determinations on separate conditions of use – as well as revisiting the assumption that personal protective equipment is always provided and worn properly by workers when making risk determinations.

EPA also is screening 1-BP for potential risks from air and water pathways, according to an agency press release. EPA intends to determine whether “there are risks that were unaccounted for in the risk evaluation” for the chemical.

Comments on the draft revised final risk evaluation are due Aug. 19.