For the past 20 years, n-propyl bromide (nPB) has been a highly popular, industrial solvent that is used for degreasing plastics, optics, and metal surfaces. In addition to providing excellent degreasing power, the solution is prized for its eminent affordability. However, considering that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appears poised to add NPB to the List of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) that was created in 1990 as an extension of the Clean Air Act, these benefits are currently of nominal value.
According to the EPA, “Based on the chemical and physical properties of nPB, petitioners [in the scientific community] claim that nPB is carcinogenic, has toxic reproductive effects and is a neurotoxin.” Consequently, the EPA “will launch a comprehensive review on the impact of the chemical n-Propyl Bromide, setting the stage on whether it should be added to a List of Hazardous Air Pollutants in the Clean Air Act” (Law360.com).
A Few Options for nPB Replacement From Ecolink
If your company or organization uses nPB in large quantities for industrial degreasing operations, now is the time to switch to a different degreaser that delivers the same efficacy as nPB but is formulated to be safer for humans and the environment. At Ecolink, we provide several degreasing solutions that meet this description. Depending on what you need to degrease and how you plan to degrease it, below are six nPB replacement options that could meet your requirements.
- BULLDOG – Concentrated and aggressive; ideal for any surface not harmed by water
- ECOLINK 1171 – No-residue, fast evaporating, low VOC; ideal for wiping
- Eco-Spray ZV-2 – No-residue, fast evaporating, no VOC; ideal for spraying
- ECOLINK 1171HF – No-residue, fast evaporating, low VOC; ideal for wiping and spraying
- PINNACLE– No-residue, neutral pH, low VOC; ideal for immersion and parts washers
- ECOLINK 250-SS – No-residue, fast evaporating, low VOC; ideal for wiping, spraying, and parts washers
The products above are just a few of the industrial degreasing solutions that we offer for nPB replacement. In many cases, these and other Ecolink degreasing solvents can be used as drop-in replacements for cleaners that contain nPB, meaning that your degreasing processes can remain in full swing while your nPB degreasers are replaced with safer cleaning solutions.
Looking for an Effective nPB Replacement?
nPB has yet to be added to the EPA’s List of Hazardous Air Pollutants, but considering nPB’s negative association with the development of cancer and other chronic health problems, it appears that it’s only a matter of time before the EPA adds the hazardous, organobromine compound to the list. That’s why now is a great time to contact us about replacing nPB degreasers with ones that have a better safety profile but deliver the same cleaning power.
If you need assistance with assessing which of our nPB replacement cleaners are a good fit for what you plan to degrease and the method(s) of degreasing you plan to use, please call us today at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. We look forward to presenting you with eco friendly, highly efficacious degreasing options for nPB replacement.
Ecolink Team
