On August 9, 2019, EPA published its draft risk evaluation for 1-Bromopropane. Under the Toxic Substance Control Act, EPA is required to conduct risk evaluations to determine whether existing chemicals present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment under the conditions of use. 1-Bromopropoane is a colorless liquid used for various purposes throughout the supply chain from industrial, commercial to consumer use. In its draft risk evaluation for 1-Bromopropane, EPA has determined that some of the evaluated conditions of use do present an unreasonable risk of injury to human health including processing; industrial and commercial use as solvent for cleaning and degreasing; industrial and commercial use as adhesives and sealants; industrial and commercial use as cleaning and furniture care products; several other industrial, commercial and consumer uses including arts and craft materials, automotive care products, anti-adhesive agents, some building materials, electronic products and more. EPA has also determined that 1-Bromopropane does not present an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or the environment for the following conditions of use: manufacturing; processing as an intermediate or reactant or incorporation into articles; repackaging; recycling, distribution in commerce; disposal; and consumer uses of insulation.
A final determination that a condition of use presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment will move the use into the risk management phase under TSCA. This means that the agency will have to regulate any identified risks, which can include use-restrictions or bans.
EPA has submitted this evaluation for peer review through its Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The 3-day peer review in-person public meeting is scheduled for September 10-12, 2019. SACC will also conduct a preparatory virtual meeting to consider the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions on August 21, 2019. You can find more information and register for the meetings here.
Comments on the draft risk evaluation are due on October 11, 2019. However, if you would like for your comments to be considered by SACC in time for the peer reviewed meetings, please plan on submitting them by August 30, 2019.
Read the draft risk evaluation and other supporting documents here and submit comments here.
Advocacy contact: Tabby Zeb at (202) 205-6790.