Summary: An overhaul in 2016 of the main U.S. chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, required EPA to choose the first 10 chemicals for risk evaluation. 1-bromopropane, one of the first 10 chemicals, is a chemical used in dry cleaning, foam furniture cushions, lubricants, and a range of other products. The U.S. National Toxicology Program has classified it as "reasonably anticipated" to be a human carcinogen.

What kinds of products may use it?

  • Vapor and aerosol degreasers for cleaning electronic, metal, plastic, and optic equipment
  • Cold cleaning degreasers
  • Laminates
  • Aerosol adhesives
  • Spot cleaner/ stain remover
  • Foam cushions
  • Lubricants
  • Mold release products

What hazards does it pose?

  • Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen
  • Reproductive toxicity
  • Developmental toxicity
  • Immunotoxicity
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Liver and kidney toxicity

Who may be exposed or most at risk?

  • Workers and occupational bystanders in 1-bromopropane manufacturing and processing industries or using commercial products containing 1-bromopropane
  • Consumers using products containing 1-bromopropane
  • Pregnant women/children/developing fetus
  • People that live in environments contaminated with 1-bromopropane

Production profile (2015)

  • U.S. manufacture (production and import): 25,900,000 lbs
  • Number of manufacturers: At least 8
  • Number of manufacturing sites: 9

What industries use it?

  • Laundry /Dry Cleaning
  • Furniture manufacturing
  • Adhesive and sealant manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Agricultural products
  • Cleaning and furniture care products

1-bromopropane additional resources

Full list of EPA's first 10 chemicals under review

Chemical snapshot

Close view of couch
CAS Number: 106-94-5
1-bromopropane can be found in foam cushions.

1-bromopropane chemical structure
Chemical structure
Credit: Chem ID Plus data base under the U.S. National Library of Medicine.