What is 1-Bromopropane?

1-Bromopropane (n-propyl bromide or nPB) is a colourless liquid chemical with the formula CH₃CH₂CH₂Br. It is slightly denser than water and only slightly dissolves in it. When heated, it can release toxic fumes, making proper handling essential.

What is 1-Bromopropane used for?

Initially, 1-Bromopropane was used in making pesticides, flavours, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals. Today, it is widely used as a solvent in:

• Adhesives -  Helps in bonding materials together.
• Dry cleaning - Used to remove stains from fabrics.
• Vapour degreasing - Cleans metal parts by removing grease and contaminants.
• Electronics and metal cleaning - Ensures surfaces are free from dirt and oils.

1-Bromopropane production has increased over the last 10 years due to its use as a replacement for other more harmful substances.

Sources & Routes of Exposure

Sources of Exposure

• Occupational exposure is the primary concern.
• Workers using 1-bromopropane as a spray adhesive are at the highest risk.
• Workers involved in production or commercial applications are at risk of high exposure.
• Aerosol applications contribute to air exposure.

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation:
  • Main exposure route for workers.
  • Potential risk for populations near industrial sites.
• Oral:
  • Not a significant route of exposure, as it has not been detected in food or water.
• Dermal:
  • Important exposure route for workers handling spray adhesives.

Health Effects

Acute Effects

Short-term exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract.

Chronic Effects

Peripheral nerve damage and central nervous system effects:

• Joint pain, leg weakness, and pain, leading to difficulty standing and walking.
• Muscle twitching, numbness, tingling, and prickling in hands or feet.
• Loss of vibration sense.
• Anxiety, apathy, insomnia, concentration, and memory issues.

Other effects:

• Dermatitis
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Menstrual disruption or failure
• Urinary difficulties
• Anaemia or low red blood cell count
• Liver damage
• Lung disease

Reproductive Hazards

Animal studies indicate that inhalation exposure may result in:

• Decreased foetal weight
• Skeletal variations
• Decreased fertility
• Reduced prostate weight
• Sperm quality issues
• Some case studies suggest altered menstrual cycles in exposed female workers.

Carcinogenic Activity

• No epidemiological studies or case reports have linked 1-bromopropane exposure to cancer.

Safety

First Aid Measures

• Eye Contact:
  • Remove contact lenses.
  • Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Seek medical attention.
• Skin Contact:
  • Wash the affected area with water.
  • Remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse.
  • Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Inhalation:
  • Move to fresh air.
  • If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen.
  • Seek medical help.
  • Ingestion:
  • Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a physician.
  • If large amounts are swallowed, call a doctor immediately.

Fire & Explosion Information

• Flammable.
• Auto-Ignition Temperature: 490°C (914°F).
• Combustion Products: Carbon oxides (CO, CO₂).

Firefighting Measures:

• Small fires: Use dry chemical powder.
• Large fires: Use alcohol foam, water spray, or fog.
• Cool containers with water jets to prevent explosion.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:

• Emits toxic hydrogen bromide fumes when decomposed by heat.

Exposure Controls & Personal Protection

Engineering Controls

• Ensure proper ventilation to keep vapour levels below threshold limits.
• Eyewash stations and safety showers should be near work areas.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Splash goggles
• Lab coat
• Vapour respirator (certified models recommended)
• Gloves (chemical-resistant)

For large spills:

• Full protective suit
• Boots
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Consult safety specialist before handling

Regulations

United States

ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for 1-bromopropane of 10 ppm, 50 mg/m3 TWA