1. Home
  2. N-Propyl Bromide
  3. N-Propyl Bromide Exposure Limits: What You Need to Know

N-Propyl Bromide Exposure Limits: What You Need to Know

N-propyl bromide — nPB for short — is a chemical compound that has a two-sided reputation. On the good side, the compound is widely considered safer for the environment than many of the ozone depleting chemicals it’s replaced. On the bad side, “safer” doesn’t exactly mean “safe”.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) recognize that acute and chronic human exposure to nPB can cause health problems that range minor ailments such as watery eyes and upset stomach to incurable maladies such as neuropathy and cancer. Consequently, n-propyl bromide exposure limits have been imposed, with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 0.1 ppm being the gold standard.

Understanding PPM 

PPM is an initialism that means “parts per million”. So, a degreaser that contains 0.1 ppm of n-propyl bromide is 0.00001% pure nPB. For those who took some upper level chemistry and math courses in high school or college, here’s what PPM looks like as a formulaic expression  (courtesy of EngineeringToolbox.com):

  • ppm = 1000000 mc / ms 
  •        = 106 mc / ms        (1)
  • where
  • mc = mass of component (kg, lbm)
  • ms = mass of solution (kg, lbm)

Many industrial users of nPB need cleaning solvents that have a higher concentration of the compound than 0.00001%, hence the widespread movement to find nPB replacements based on the efficacy of the cleaning agents alone. That nPB has a deleterious effect on the health of workers who use it adds gasoline to the fire.

Finding nPB Replacements

Based on cleaning power, there are plenty of conventional, suitable replacements of n-propyl bromide. However, many of them pose the same problem as nPB: They’re not good for the environment and they pose those health risks that can lead to increased sick days taken at best and chemical injury lawsuits at worst.

The best option for nPB replacements is to break ties with conventional chemical providers, and work with a supplier of environmentally prefered and environmentally safe cleaning solutions, such as Ecolink. You end up with a solution that doesn’t hamstring your cleaning operations due to emission caps and potentially deadly effects on workers.

Ready for a Replacement?

If n-propyl bromide exposure limits make it practically impossible for your organization to use nPB in the necessary amount, stop exposing yourself to the financial stress of using a solvent that the EPA appears poised to officially add to its List of Lists that names chemicals that are too dangerous to humans and/or the environment to remain a viable solution for industrial and commercial cleaning needs.

Instead, contact Ecolink, and get started on selecting a cleaner that delivers the efficacy of n-propyl bromide, without the major health risks that could easily lead to increased sick days taken, workers compensation claims, and chemical injury lawsuits whose settlements decimate the bottom line.

To explore nPB replacement options that circumnavigate n-propyl bromide exposure limits, call us today at 800-563-1305, or use the contact form on your website. We look forward to helping you improve safety in the workplace and become a better steward to the environment!

 

 

 

 

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Categories

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By Ecolink Team
Electronic Grade
May 23 2025

What is Electronic Grade Chemicals?

Find yourself wondering what electronic grade chemicals are? Whether you’re trying to figure out the best chemical for cleaning your cell phone or need bulk chemical...
By Ecolink Team
Electronic Grade IPA
May 21 2025

What is Electronic Grade IPA

Isopropyl alcohol, commonly referred to as IPA, is a great solvent for cleaning. But when it comes to cleaning delicate surfaces such as electronics, the type of IPA...
By Ecolink Team
May 16 2025

6 Benefits of Water Treatment Chemicals for Boilers

Proper chemical treatment is essential for disinfecting water and preventing buildup in boilers. But what other benefits are there? In this blog post, we’ll take a...
By Ecolink Team
Industrial Cleaning Chemicals & Retail Cleaners
May 14 2025

Industrial vs. Retail Cleaners: Which Are Best?

We all clean. Whether you own a dental office, a townhouse, or a factory, cleaning is an essential part of your daily operations. But when it comes to choosing the best...
By Ecolink Team
non-destructive testing
May 12 2025

What is Non-Destructive testing? A Brief Overview

Evaluating a product’s materials and internal components is one of the best ways to test the integrity of a product. But how does each industry evaluate their products?...
By Ecolink Team
Best vehicle degreasers
May 09 2025

Best Vehicle Degreasers: Efficient Solutions for Removing Grease

fleets for their operations. Grease buildup can hinder efficiency and diminish the overall aesthetics of vehicles. To combat this challenge, businesses need the best...
By Ecolink Team
Vehicle Maintenance
May 07 2025

Vehicle Maintenance: Keeping Your Fleet in Top Condition

For many business operations, a well-maintained fleet of vehicles is not only a functional necessity; it is a reflection of a company’s commitment to efficiency and...
By Ecolink Team
Mechanical Cleaning Process
May 05 2025

Mechanical Cleaning Process: Methods and Equipment Overview

The mechanical cleaning process has emerged as a cornerstone for achieving optimal equipment performance in industrial maintenance. Industries- no matter their size or...
By Ecolink Team
Mechanical cleaning
May 02 2025

Mechanical Cleaning: Essential Techniques for Industrial Maintenance

In industrial maintenance, cleaning stands out as a fundamental process for ensuring optimal equipment performance and prolonging the lifespan of machinery. This method...
By Ecolink Team
Cleaning Electrical Contacts
Apr 30 2025

Cleaning Electrical Contacts: 5 Tips for Effective Maintenance

Electrical contacts are important circuit components found in machines and electrical equipment that are made from conductive materials. When two contacts touch, they...
View all News