1-Bromopropane Safety & Health Effects
Industrial solvents are used frequently and in various industries, from dry cleaning to asphalt work. Due to the nature of this type of work, the solvents used in the past were strong, toxic and dangerous to both workers and the environment, particularly involving ozone issues. About twenty years ago, in an effort to supply industries with a solvent that was both effective and less dangerous to handle, 1-Bromopropane, an n-propyl bromide (nPB), was created.
How Is 1-Bromopropane Used?
1-Bromopropane is a colorless liquid with a hydrocarbon odor that is used as a solvent. The main uses for 1-Bromopropane are:
- Solvent sprays used in operations such as asphalt production, aircraft maintenance, and synthetic fiber manufacturing
- Vapor and immersion de-greasing operations for cleaning metals, plastics and electronic and optical components
- Dry cleaning
- Adhesive spray applications
Ways 1-Bromopropane Effects Health
The minimal ways 1-Bromopropane effects health are irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes, in the eyes, upper breath airways, nose and on the skin. The most serious side effects, however, can involve neurological damage.
Studies have shown that extended occupational exposure to 1-Bromopropane in higher-than-recommended guidelines has resulted in significant injury to workers. Of all uses of 1-Bromopropane, aerosol glues used to glue foam cushions have been especially problematic. Serious health issues from overexposure to 1-Bromopropane can include:
- Nervous system damage
- Headaches
- Dystharia (motor speech disorder)
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking
- Ataxia (muscle twitching)
Loss of feeling in arms and legs - Arthraglia (non-arthritis joint pain)
- Infertility
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