Neurologic illness associated with occupational exposure to the solvent 1-bromopropane--New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 2007-2008.
1-Bromopropane (1-BP) (n-propyl bromide) is a solvent increasingly used as a substitute for ozone-depleting chloro-fluorocarbons and similar regulated compounds. 1-BP is used in vapor and immersion degreasing operations and other manufacturing processes, and as a solvent in industries using aerosol-applied adhesives. In some states, 1-BP is used as a solvent in dry cleaning because of restrictions on use of perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene), a possible human carcinogen. Published studies of workers exposed to 1-BP have raised concerns about occupational health risks associated with exposure. This report describes two cases involving workers exposed to 1-BP and diagnosed with clinical manifestations of neurotoxicity. The cases, when coupled with previously reported studies of workers exposed to 1-BP, illustrate potential health risks of 1-BP exposure. Clinicians and public health professionals should be alert to potential health effects among workers exposed to 1-BP, particularly in dry cleaning and other workplaces where 1-BP use might be increasing, and effective control methods to limit exposure to 1-BP should be implemented at worksites.
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000633:toxicity; D007221:Industry; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009515:New Jersey; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012997:Solvents / Q000633:toxicity*
D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; D012997:Solvents; C118559:1-bromopropane