NTP-CERHR Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of 2-Bromopropane (2-BP).
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) conducted an evaluation of the potential for 2-bromopropane to cause adverse effects on reproduction and development in humans. 2-Bromopropane was selected for evaluation due to documented evidence of worker exposures and published evidence of reproductive toxicity in both rodents and humans. 2-Bromopropane may be used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other organic chemicals. In Asia, 2-bromopropane was also used as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons and 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and is used as a solvent/cleaner for microelectronics. The results of this evaluation on 2-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 2-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 2-bromopropane on human development and reproduction. No data were available on environmental exposure of the general public to 2-bromopropane. However, occupational exposure data indicate workplace exposures to 2-bromopropane range from </=0.004- 1.35 ppm. Conclusions were based on the available occupational exposure data and on studies in humans and laboratory animals. First, there is some concern for adverse reproductive effects when people are exposed to concentrations of 2-bromopropane at the high end of the occupational exposure range, and minimal concern at the low end of the exposure range. These conclusions are supported by toxicity in rats at 100 ppm exposures and adverse reproductive effects in occupationally exposed humans. Second, there is insufficient evidence to assess the developmental effects of 2-bromopropane exposure. These conclusions are based on occupational exposure data which do not account for dermal contact with 2-bromopropane. 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).