1-bromopropane
Learn about this substance, its health risks and how to reduce your exposure.
On this page
About 1-bromopropane
1-bromopropane can occur both naturally and synthetically. It can be found in indoor air and in products available to consumers, such as:
- spray foam insulation
- cleaners or degreasers
- automotive maintenance products
- silicone mold release spray (anti-stick lubricant)
Safety of 1-bromopropane
Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to people in Canada and the environment. We've recently completed a chemical risk assessment for the alkyl halides group of substances, including 1-bromopropane.
Our assessment confirmed that exposure to 1-bromopropane from certain products available to consumers may be harmful to your health. Products of concern include:
- ink remover spray for textiles
- automotive air conditioning flush
- electrical equipment cleaner spray
- silicone mold release spray (anti-stick lubricant)
Breathing in 1-bromopropane from these products may affect normal growth and development. Those at greatest risk of health effects from 1-bromopropane include:
- infants and children
- people who are pregnant, or may become pregnant
We've also confirmed that 1-bromopropane is not harmful to the environment.
What we're doing
To help reduce exposures to 1-bromopropane we're proposing:
- adding it to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- this allows Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, including:
- research and development
- manufacture
- use
- storage
- transport
- disposal or recycling
- this allows Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, including:
- taking action to restrict the use of 1-bromopropane in certain types of products, including:
- textile ink remover spray
- silicone mold release spray
- electrical-equipment cleaner spray
- automotive air conditioning flush
You may provide any comments on our proposed risk management approach during the 60-day public comment period.
What you can do
You can take steps to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals:
- Read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
- Follow the manufacturer's directions to dispose of the product safely
Not all products available to consumers provide a list of ingredients. Contact the manufacturer if you're unsure if your product contains 1-bromopropane.
If you're exposed to 1-bromopropane at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Related links
- Chemical risk assessments
- Use household chemicals safely
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada's systems for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- List of toxic substances managed under Canadian Environmental Protection Act