1. Home
  2. N-Propyl Bromide
  3. NPB Hazards: Frequently Asked Questions

NPB Hazards: Frequently Asked Questions

Propyl bromide (NPB) is a chemical compound that is widely used for industrial cleaning operations. However, like using many cleaning solvents of the same generation, using NPB solvents comes at a price concerning their negative effects on humans and the environment. If you’re somewhat familiar with NPB hazards and are interested in NPB replacements, but you need more information before you buy a replacement, see the questions and answers below.

Can a “safer” replacement solvent deliver the same cleaning power?
Yes. NPB replacements are formulated to offer the same cleaning power — and sometimes more cleaning power — as NPB solvents. The replacements are often described as “drop-in solutions” because they can replace NBP solvents without requiring significant downtime.

Does investing in a replacement solvent mean investing more money?
Some solvent replacements that eliminate NPB hazards do cost more than NPB solvents, as NPB is quite cost effective to produce and thus results in relatively low-lost NPB products. However, implementing eco friendly NPB replacements can help eliminate certain costs.

Are there costs that can be negated by a safer replacement solvent?
Yes. Because NPB has been proven to cause negative health conditions, replacements that have a better safety profile help reduce these costs: settlements for personal injury cases, sick days taken, diminished productivity due to negative health conditions in workers, and payouts for workers compensation claims. Significantly reducing these costs could save you millions.

Will the EPA add NPB to its official list of hazardous air pollutants?
The EPA is conducting an inquiry into the safety of NPB solvents on humans and the environment — an endeavor that could could result in NPB being placed on the EPA’s list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This is why it makes sense to find replacement options now.

Should I use my supply of NPB solvent while shopping for a new solvent?
Despite NPB hazards, using your supply of NPB solvent while you search for replacements may be the most sensible option. If NPB supports your company’s or organization’s crucial cleaning requirements, you simply can’t afford to halt the use of NPB until a replacement is identified.

Is it an option to formulate a custom NPB replacement solution?
Some sellers of NPB replacements only offer pre-formulated cleaning solutions, while other sellers offer both readymade solutions and custom solutions. If you still use NPB solvent, assuming that you need a custom replacement solution is putting the cart before the horse. First, you should consult with an NPB replacement supplier to evaluate your options.

Contact Ecolink Today
Replacing your hazardous NPB solvent with a cleaning solution that has a better safety profile has several benefits, but in order to realize them, you must first find a solvent supplier that offers high-quality NPB replacements that eliminate NPB hazards. This is where Ecolink enters the picture. We can supply you with readymade solutions or custom formulated cleaners that offer the same efficacious cleaning power and range of application as your current NPB solvents.

For assistance with selecting a new cleaning solvent that eliminates NPB hazards, call us at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. Don’t delay; contact us today!

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Categories

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By Ecolink Team
Safe Solvent Options
Jun 27 2025

What are the top environmentally safe solvent options with Ecolink?

Making the switch to environmentally preferred solvents is a great way to protect the environment and your team’s health. But with an array of products labeled as...
By Ecolink Team
Industrial Degreasers Available
Jun 25 2025

What Are the Best Eco-Preferred Industrial Degreasers Available?

Choosing the right eco-friendly degreaser for your business can be tough—from finding suppliers to combing through page after page of products, it’s hard to know which...
By Ecolink Team
Ecolink - Chemical Solvent Supplier
Jun 04 2025

Chemical Solvent Suppliers: Why Businesses Choose Ecolink!

Looking for new chemical solvent suppliers? You’re not alone.  Considering that just about every industry requires chemicals, having a chemical supplier you can trust...
By Ecolink Team
Semiconductor vs Electronic Grade
May 30 2025

Semiconductor Grade Chemicals vs. Electronic Grade Chemicals 

Chemical grades can be confusing—do I need an ACS grade chemical? A USP? How about a technical grade?  Simply put, chemical grades refer to a chemical’s level of...
By Ecolink Team
Semiconductor Grade
May 27 2025

What are Semiconductor Grade Chemicals?

Semiconductor grade chemicals are a great way to clean delicate electronic surfaces without causing irreversible damage. But which chemical is right for your unique...
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
Water Treatment Chemicals for Boilers
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?...
View all News