In 30 years, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added a new chemical to the list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). HAPs list was created in 1990. The chemical, 1 bromopropane (1-BP), is the newly added one. It is used in dry cleaning, stain removers, adhesives and cleaners.
EPA in 2020, found that, 1-BP, created unreasonable risks for consumers, bystanders and workers for most consumer and commercial uses of the substance. It created developmental issues from short-term exposure and both developmental issues and cancer from long-term exposure.
As per EPA’s toxic release inventory, in 2020, 68 facilities emitted 1-BP, releasing more than 800,000 pounds of the substance into the air.
This is effective from February 4, 2022.
The final rule is amended to 40 CFR part 63, subpart C. 1-BP, since added HAP list, will become subject to regulation under CAA (Clean Air Act) section 112.EPA will start the process of proposing final regulations governing emission limitations which could take several years.
1-BP is also known as n-propyl bromide (nPB), [4] CAS #106-94-5. This substance is colorless, brominated organic liquid that is insoluble in water, but soluble in ethanol and ether. There are several applications of 1-BP such as solvent cleaning of electronic, metal, and precision electronic equipment; aerosols; adhesives; and as an intermediate chemical in the production of pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.
Companies emitting 1-BP should initiate the process of accessing their emission potentials, and also to consider alternative products to eliminate the use of 1-BP altogether. For example, facilities that do not become major sources of HAPs should consider whether their 1-BP emissions would push them over the threshold for becoming major sources of HAPs subject to the stringent, major source regulations under the Clean Air Act.
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