NTP-CERHR Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of 1-Bromopropane (1-BP).

Abstract

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) conducted an evaluation of the potential for 1-bromopropane to cause adverse effects on reproduction and development in humans. 1-Bromopropane was selected for evaluation due to recent consideration of 1-bromopropane as a replacement chemical for hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorinated solvents. 1-Bromopropane is used in spray adhesives and in cleaning metal and electronic components; as a solvent for fats, waxes, or resins; and as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, insecticides, quaternary ammonium compounds, flavors, or fragrances. The results of this evaluation on 1-brompropane are published in a NTP-CERHR monograph which includes: 1) the NTP Brief, 2) the Expert Panel Report on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of 1-Bromopropane, and 3) public comments received on the Expert Panel Report. As stated in the NTP Brief, the NTP reached the following conclusions regarding the possible effects of exposure to 1-bromopropane on human development and reproduction. No data were available on 1-bromopropane exposures in the general US population. Therefore, conclusions were based on the available occupational exposure data and on studies in humans and laboratory animals. First, there is serious concern for reproductive and developmental effects at the upper end of the human occupational exposure range (18-381 ppm). Adverse developmental and/or reproductive effects have been reported in animal studies at exposure levels of >/=200 ppm. Second, there is minimal concern for reproductive and developmental effects when humans are exposed at the lower end of the human occupational exposure range (0.04-0.63 ppm). This level is at least 300- fold lower than the no effect level identified from reproductive studies in laboratory animals. These conclusions are based upon limited occupational inhalation exposure data. It is likely that worker exposures also occur through dermal contact with 1-bromopropane. However, no information was available on dermal exposures. NTP-CERHR monographs are transmitted to federal and state agencies, interested parties, and the public and are available in electronic PDF format on the CERHR web site (http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov) and in printed text or CD-ROM from the CERHR (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, MD EC-32, Research Triangle Park, NC; fax: 919-316-4511).