NPB Solvent: Now is the Time to Replace Your Toxic NPB Cleaner

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Propyl bromide (NPB) is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a cleaning solvent for degreasing precision parts, electronics, and metal. NPB is highly effective at these tasks, but there are several drawbacks to using an NPB cleaning solution in large volume. If your company or organization currently uses NPB for essential cleaning operations, switching to a replacement cleaner that has a better safety profile is a smart move for the following reasons, among others.

Effect on Workers
“In 2013, a peer-review panel convened by the U.S. National Toxicology Program unanimously recommended that 1-bromopropane, be classified as [a] reasonably anticipated human carcinogens” (Wikipedia). In addition to potentially causing cancer-related ailments, NPB solvent is known to cause confusion, slurred speech, dizziness, paresthesias, and unusual fatigue, to name a few. NPB exposure can cause both chronic and acute health conditions in workers.

Cost of Use
NPB is often remarkably cheap to purchase, but the cost savings can be offset by the following financial situations: settlements for personal injury cases, more sick days taken, diminished business productivity due to negative health conditions in workers, and payouts for workers compensation claims. Many companies don’t budget for these types of expenses. So, it only makes sense to replace NPB solvent with a cleaner that has a better overall safety profile.

EPA Regulations
In 2012, the EPA stated that, “Based on a work plan developed under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, it will begin a full risk assessment of 1-Bromopropane” (Wikipedia). If history is a guide, the EPA’s risk assessment is likely to result in NPB being added to its official list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). That is why it’s important to proactively search for NPB solvent replacements. If you wait too long, you may have to use a new cleaner on short notice.

Environmental Impact
In animal studies, NPB has demonstrated a negative impact on the health of animals. In fact, “Animal studies of [NPB] have showed that it is a carcinogen in those models. Rodents exposed to [NPB] developed lung, colon, and skin cancer at higher rates” (Wikipedia). In addition to protecting your workers from NPB exposure, replacing NPB solvent with a safer option will also help protect the environment, and help put you in good standing with other “green” companies.

Need an NPB Solvent Replacement?
If so, you have come to the right place. For years, Ecolink has offered an array of environmentally-preferred, drop-in replacement cleaners for NPB solvent. We also create custom replacement solutions that are tailored to your unique set of cleaning requirements. If you can’t find what you need in our online store, visit the custom order page on our website, and get started on acquiring a specially formulated solution that is made for your specific needs.

If you are ready to place an order, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact page on our website. With us serving as your trusted supplier of readymade and/or custom cleaning solutions, there is no solvent-based, industrial cleaning requirement that you can’t address.

Will N Propyl Bromide Manufacturers Serve a Changing Customer Segment?

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N propyl bromide is a colorless liquid that is commonly used for general, heavy-duty cleaning operations. Use of the product experienced a major upswing when it was declared to be a safe replacement for chlorinated solvents. However, as with the solvents it replaced, n propyl bromide contains some ingredients that are dangerous to humans and the environment.

New Exposure Limits
Many organizations across the U.S. have set exposure to limits to n propyl bromide. For example, in 2010, the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration set the permissible exposure limit for the cleaning solvent at 5 ppm. In 2014, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) set an exposure limit of 0.1 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average.

These regulations and others inherently limit the usefulness of n propyl bromide for consistently performing big cleaning jobs. They also signal the need for n propyl bromide manufacturers to develop safe replacement solutions for the cleaner. If n propyl bromide is banned, developing new solutions will be a necessity for maintaining revenue.

EPA Proposes a Ban
In 2013, the EPA stated it that would develop a plan under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) to perform an in-depth risk assessment of 1-Bromopropane. Fast forward to two years later, and the EPA has found n propyl bromide to be dangerous enough to be banned.

Until a ban occurs, exposure limits for the cleaning solvent will prevent many companies from using a large volume of the solution, and compel them to look for a suitable replacement cleaner. However, entities that use a small volume of the popular cleaner may be largely unaffected by federal, state, and municipal regulations that govern the use of the hazardous solvent.

New Customer Segment
For years, selling n propyl bromide cleaning solutions to large companies and organizations was the bread and butter of n propyl bromide manufacturers across the U.S. However, due to exposure limits for the solvent, the most prominent customer segment going forward figures to be small-time users.

This customer segment has always been well-served, but it now projects to be the primary segment for suppliers of n propyl bromide solutions in their many varieties. N propyl bromide manufacturers know this and seem poised to scale down the production of the solvent, especially considering what appears to be the EPA’s plan the ban the controversial cleaner.

How Ecolink Can Help
If your company uses n propyl bromide, the best thing it could do is switch to a safer cleaner, one whose non-toxic formulation means it will not be regulated by laws at any level. At Ecolink, we specialize in selling new, eco friendly solvents that have a better safety profile than their predecessors.

To discuss a replacement solutions for n propyl bromide, call us today at (800) 563-1305 to schedule a free consultation, or refer to the contact page on our website. If we don’t carry a replacement cleaner that meets your needs, we will create a custom cleaning solution that does.

 

Replacing NPB Industrial Cleaners Can Reduce Operating Costs

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NPB (a.k.a. n propyl bromide) is a strong cleaning agent that is used for various types of cleaning applications, from simple surface cleaning projects to heavy-duty degreasing operations. Although the solvent works well for its intended uses, it is now in the dubious position of the hazardous, chlorinated cleaning solvents it replaced: It is considered dangerous to humans and the environment and should be replaced with a safer cleaning agent.

Even so, many companies and organizations are hesitant to replace NPB industrial cleaners due to costs associated with the changeover, such as retiring their unused supply of the NPB cleaners, conducting tests to discover replacement cleaners that have the same efficacy, and training employees to use those cleaners once they are purchased. However, there are also some compelling cost saving opportunities that come with replacing NPB industrial cleaners.

Reduced Injury Risk
Since 2013, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has considered NPB to be “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,” especially when exposure to the cleaner is routine. Acute exposure to NPB can also cause health problems, such as irritation to eyes, mucous membranes, upper airways and skin. In short, NPB is a mercenary injury attorney’s dream.

In addition to precipitating costly legal settlements, NPB exposure can lead to increased workers compensation claims, higher rates of absenteeism, and impaired job performance — all things that take a financial toll on the company or organization that experiences them. When these phenomena result from NPB use, replacing the cleaner could literally save millions of dollars.

Less Costly PPE
OSHA and the EPA use a four-level rating system for personal protective equipment (PPE) that those who work with dangerous substances or in dangerous situations wear. Class A PPE offers the most comprehensive protection, totally insulating workers in a safety suit with a breathing apparatus. Level D offers the least protection, with no breathing apparatus included.

Outfitting a single worker in Level D PPE is the equivalent of buying him an expensive business suit. Applying that cost to multiple workers can quickly make PPE expenditures reach the six-figure mark. If switching to NPB replacement cleaners allows you to equip workers with a lower level of PPE than they currently wear, the cost of PPE could be significantly reduced.

Lower Utility Costs
Work environments that create a high level of exposure to NPB industrial cleaners need a special ventilation system that traps airborne contaminants, with the goal being to prevent them from entering other work areas and the natural environment. Considering that air distribution fans are commonly the most power consuming components in a building’s electrical system, using non-toxic cleaners that don’t require special ventilation strategies could reduce utility costs.

No EPA Fines
In February 2015, the EPA filed a petition to add NPB to its List of Hazardous Air Pollutants — a move that predicts the ban or severe regulation of the cleaning agent. Entities that continue to use NPB in violation of federal usage parameters face stiff fines that may escalate in amount as violations continue. Considering the heavy toll that the recent recession took on the coffers of so many companies, paying costly, avoidable fines to the EPA is simply financially unacceptable.

No Changeover Downtime
For companies whose everyday operations are highly dependant on NPB industrial cleaners, one of the worst things that could happen is having to quickly replace the cleaners after NPB is banned, without a changeover plan in place. This situation could lead to an extended period of downtime for operations that require the cleaning power of the banned chemical in the cleaners.

Technically, proactively replacing an NPB cleaner doesn’t reduce operating costs. Rather, it helps to ensure that revenue streams that NPB cleaners support remain robust. Performing a gradual phase out of NPB that includes the gradual introduction of a safer cleaning agent is the ideal way to ensure that no money is lost on already purchased NPB products, and that replacement products meet all the performance requirements of the replaced NPB cleaners.

Still Using NPB Cleaners?
If so, the sooner your company or organization replaces them, the sooner it will be in the position to realize the cost saving opportunities listed above. If you need assistance finding replacement cleaners that meet the requirements NPB industrial cleaners, Ecolink can provide you with several options. For example, our fluorinated solvents that contain HFC, HFE and HFPO are considered much safer than NPB solvents and can deliver the same level of cleaning power.

We can also create a custom blend if none of our stock products meet your requirements.

To start the NPB replacement process, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. By replacing NPB industrial cleaners, you can do something good for your workers, good the environment, and good for the bottom line of your company or organization.

 

 

 

 

Propyl Bromide SDS – Getting your Facts Straight

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Propyl bromide (a.k.a. n propyl bromide and NPB) is a cleaning agent that widely replaced older, chlorinated solutions that contain chlorofluorocarbons and perchloroethylene. However, while propyl bromide may have a better safety profile than some of its counterparts, it isn’t “safe” to use in the conventional sense of the word. In fact, the cleaner’s safety data sheet (SDS) provides plenty of reasons to identify and implement a safer cleaning solution.

Hazards
The propyl bromide SDS lists several “hazard statements” associated with the use of the cleaning agent. These statements are as follows:  harmful if swallowed, causes eye irritation, may cause respiratory tract irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, suspected of causing cancer by inhalation, and harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. These hazards are more than enough to motivate NPB replacement.

First Aid
The propyl bromide SDS states that exposure to the cleaning agent requires first aid attention, specifically if the cleaner contacts the skin or eyes, is inhaled, or is ingested. Furthermore, the document notes that those who perform first aid measures are themselves at risk for needing first aid due to chemical transference. First aid for skin contact may be addressed at the work site with soap and water. Inhalation or ingestion may require professional medical treatment.

Exposure Control
The propyl bromide SDS lists various exposure control limits for NPB. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) currently lists the accepted exposure limit as 0.1 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average, while the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets the permissible exposure limit at 5 ppm. Exposure limits differ between regulatory organizations. In all cases, however, the exposure limit is quite low.

Reactivity
NPB’s reactivity is also addressed by the propyl bromide SDS. The cleaning agent is not sensitive to mechanical impact but is “dangerously reactive” with strong oxidizing agents, strong alkalies, and alkali metals. In addition, NPB is reactive with finely powdered aluminum. NPB is chemically stable to the degree that it will not polymerize. However, as mentioned above, its thermal decomposition rapidly creates the corrosive, diatomic molecule hydrogen bromide.

Toxicity
The propyl bromide SDS states that “prolonged or repeated exposure” to NPB can cause dermatitis and notes that vapor from the cleaning agent can be neurotoxic. The ACGIH recognizes the cleaning agent as an animal carcinogen that is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Due to NPB’s widespread use, the effects of acute and chronic exposure are quite well-known, and serve as a major motivator for the EPA’s push to ban the agent.

Need a Propyl Bromide Replacement?
If so, now is the time to start searching for replacement solutions, and Ecolink is the place to search. We’ve helped thousands of companies and organizations implement safe alternatives to propyl bromide cleaners that deliver the same cleaning power. In doing so, we’ve also helped many of these entities save money by mitigating the expenditures that surround the use of dangerous cleaning solvents, such as buying high-level personal protective equipment (PPE).

The propyl bromide SDS spells doom for the continued use of propyl bromide cleaners. Eventually, almost all of them that are routinely used for commercial and industrial cleaning operations will be replaced by cleaning agents that have fluorinated blends (e.g., HFC, HFE and HFPO), or blends that have similarly acceptable safety profiles and usage parameters.

For more information about NPB replacements, call us today at (800) 563-1305 to schedule a free evaluation of your cleaning needs, or refer to the contact page on our website.

Non Flammable Degreasers With nPB: Their Use in Vapor Degreasing

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Vapor degreasing is a process in which various types of components are cleaned to remove surface accumulations of grease and similarly constituted substances. In some cases, the procedure is performed as a finishing process to prepare components for further finishing operations, such as painting and heat treating; while in other cases, the goal is to remove grease to sustain the performance of parts that accumulations of grease could compromise.

Using nPB for Vapor Degreasing
N propyl bromide (nPB) is a vapor degreasing solution that originally replaced more volatile and dangerous solutions, particularly the halogenated solvents 1,1,1 Trichloroethane (TCA) and Tetrachloroethene (PCE), which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned in commercial and industrial work settings in the early 1990’s, when the green movement was gaining steam. Compared to these solutions, nPB offers several practical benefits, including:

  • More eco friendly profile
  • No flash point
  • Ideal for non-water-based cleaning
  • Prevents oxidation and water spots
  • Produces little if any waste solvent

As advantageous as nPB can be for vapor degreasing applications, its popularity has started to wane due to emerging information about the drawbacks of the solution. More specifically, NPB has been identified as a solvent that contains ingredients that may be carcinogenic in nature, and can potentially cause liver damage. These findings have led many companies to replace nPB non flammable degreasers with ones that have a better profile for human and animal safety.

Finding New Non Flammable Degreasers
In spite of recent evidence that asserts the danger of using non flammable degreasers that contain nPB, many companies continue to use solutions that contain the ingredient. The reasons why are fairly obvious: companies that use the ingredient frequently typically have a large supply of it onsite, switching to a new vapor degreaser brings the challenge of finding a product that performs as well as the old one, and the EPA has yet to firmly regulate the use of nPB.

While these considerations are only understandable, companies are smart to look at the big picture, and replace nPB vapor degreasers with ones that contain non toxic ingredients. Even if nPB remains largely unregulated for the foreseeable future, it may still have a deleterious effect on the health of those who work with the solution, as well as produce negative effects in animals that come into contact with the solution via vapor emissions and other forms of release.

How Ecolink Can Help
If your company uses non flammable degreasers that contain nPB, and you would like to switch to new ones that have a better safety profile, Ecolink can provide you with readymade solutions or custom solutions that meet your needs. Above all, we can provide safer solutions that work just as well as the old ones, if not more so, and offer you the ability to use the new product as a “drop in” replacement that doesn’t require reconfiguring the existing vapor degreasing system.

For more information about obtaining high-efficacy, non flammable degreasers that don’t contain nPB, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact page on our website. We look forward to helping you avoid the drawbacks of using nPB in your strategic vapor degreasing operations!