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.
NPB Phaseout: The EPA Petitions to Add NPB to the List of HAPs
/in EPA Cleaning Regulations/by Industrial DegreasersN propyl bromide (a.k.a. NPB) is an industrial cleaning agent that became a popular replacement for chlorinated cleaning solvents in the latter decades of the 20th Century. More specifically, NPB became a popular drop-in solution that replaced cleaners containing the chemical compound trichloroethylene, which became commercially available in the U.S. in the 1920s.
For many years, NPB cleaners were regarded as safer solutions than their chlorinated counterparts. However, in the past 20 years, the deleterious effects of chronic NPB use on humans and the environment have become widely known, so much so that the push to regulate the use of NPB has culminated in the EPA creating a formal petition to add the controversial cleaning agent to its official list of regulated and banned hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
Moves Leading Up to the Petition
The EPA isn’t the first organization to publicly recognize the dangers of unfettered NPB use. Many states, municipalities, and safety organizations in the U.S. red flagged the use of NPB long before the EPA drew up a petition in February 2015 to recategorize the compound as an HPA. Below is a list of some of the more notable actions that were taken to communicate the toxicity and dangerous side effects of NPB to companies and organizations prior to the current year
These moves and others by notable safety organizations undoubtedly spurred the EPA to step up to the plate and begin what appears to be the first phase of an NPB phaseout: a petition to add the cleaning agent to the organization’s list of HAPs. For workers and natural environments that are exposed to NPB, an official NPB phaseout cannot come too quickly. However, for companies and organizations that use the agent for critical cleaning operations, a phaseout is understandably not as welcome, as it would require them to identify safe replacements for NPB.
Choosing a New Cleaning Solvent
Users of NPB that stay abreast of EPA regulations have undoubtedly heard horror stories about what can happen if a dangerous solvent isn’t replaced until it is banned or heavily regulated. Critical cleaning operations can grind to halt if a solvent replacement plan isn’t in place, and that can spell doom for the bottom line of entities whose operations are highly solvent dependant.
However, as horrific as such a situation may seem to corporate brass, it is easy to avoid. By working with a producer of cleaning solutions that have an excellent safety profile for humans and the environment, NPB users can proactively replace their current solvents with ones that won’t be scrutinized by the EPA, and will thus avoid subjection to the impending NPB phaseout.
This is what Ecolink helps companies and organizations do. We have long been aware of the dangers of NPB usage. That is why we proactively created solutions that offer the same efficacy as NPB solvents but have a much better safety profile and broader usage parameters. If you need to prepare for the NPB phaseout, we have the cleaning solutions to help you do it.
For assistance identifying cleaners that can serve as drop-in replacements for NPB products, call us today at (800) 563-1305 to schedule a free consultation, or refer to the contact page on our website. With us working as your trusted provider of industrial-grade cleaning solvents, the NPB phaseout can come and go without affecting any of your business-critical cleaning needs.
Will N Propyl Bromide Manufacturers Serve a Changing Customer Segment?
/in N-Propyl Bromide/by Industrial DegreasersN 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.
Finding a Trichloroethylene Replacement Solvent for Vapor Degreasing
/in Vapor Degreasing/by Industrial DegreasersTrichloroethylene (a.k.a. TCE) is a chemical compound that was commonly used for industrial degreasing operations starting in the 1920s. Use of the compound plummeted when the U.S. government included it in the EPA’s list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Due to the listing, many outfits switched to n propyl bromide (NPB) cleaners that are not chlorinated. However, NPB has its own drawbacks, and is now up for inclusion on the EPA’s revised list of HAPs.
Finding a Proper Replacement
Large-scale users of TCE cleaners that need a trichloroethylene replacement solvent for vapor degreasing often search for NPB cleaners, as the cleaners were heralded as the next generation of industrial degreasing agents after TCE was considered hazardous to humans and the environment. However, because a federal phase out of NPB appears to be in the works, it’s important to leapfrog NPB solvents and choose from among new cleaners that exhibit better safety profiles and usage parameters than their toxically formulated predecessors.
FluoSolv CA as a Replacement
At Ecolink, we recommend FluoSolv CA as an ideal trichloroethylene replacement solvent for vapor degreasing. Although the agent has better usage parameters and a much improved safety profile when compared to TCE and NPB cleaners, it delivers the same degreasing power as these toxic agents, quickly removing the build up of tough organic substances on a variety of different parts and equipment. The solution also excels in vapor degreasing procedures that are performed to remove mineral oils, hydrocarbon and silicone greases, waxes, and hydraulic fluids.
FluoSolv is an excellent trichloroethylene replacement solvent partly because it’s azeotropic mixture retains its liquid concentration throughout the temperature range that is used for vapor degreasing. It is also a great replacement solvent for several additional reasons, including:
In addition, FluoSolv CA excels at degreasing a variety of materials, particularly: metals, ceramics, glass, and elastomers. This is a major reason why we’ve had such success in offering FluoSolv as a trichloroethylene replacement solvent. Due to its excellent safety profile and broad range of approved uses, customers are strongly motivated to make the replacement.
Creating a Custom Replacement
As well as FluoSolv CA works as a replacement for trichloroethylene solvents and NPB solvents for most customers, we realize that vapor degreasing procedures can be unique to the degree that a custom replacement is needed. Consequently, we’re prepared to create a custom replacement solvent if Fluosolv CA or a similar replacement solvent doesn’t meet your needs. Once the custom solution is created, we can supply it to you continuously moving forward.
Starting the Replacement Process
If you need a trichloroethylene replacement solvent, the best thing you can do is contact Ecolink to schedule a free evaluation of your degreasing needs. Though we can typically provide a drop-in replacement solution rather quickly, we must inevitably spend some time reviewing your vapor degreasing processes to ensure that we provide you with the best replacement options.
To get started on the replacement process for TCE cleaners, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. We look forward to supplying a safer vapor degreaser!
The Health Risks of 1-Bromopane and How to Avoid Them
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersIf 1-bromopane (a.k.a. NPB) were a person, it would be someone whose career started out on a high note due to his great effectiveness, but gradually descended into the gutter due to his increasingly obvious caustic qualities. To extend the analogy, using 1-bromopane as a cleaning solution is similar to hiring someone whose bad characteristics start to outweigh his good ones, especially when it comes to how they affect people in the work environment.
Is your company or organization still employing 1-bromopane as a go-to cleaning solution for industrial cleaning operations? If so, it’s time to give the toxic cleaning agent the boot before it has the chance to trouble your workers with the following health conditions, among others.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, chronic exposure to NPB can lead to a myriad of nervous system problems, including: “difficulty walking, muscle twitching, and/or loss of feeling in arms and legs.” Employees that experience these conditions naturally have a higher rate of absenteeism and often initiate workers compensation claims.
The U.S. Department of Labor lists “confusion” as another malady that NPB exposure causes. Profound mental confusion is often a temporary effect of acute exposure to the cleaning agent, but confusion can seriously jeopardize the safety of workers while they are on the work floor. Imagine the risk of someone operating industrial machinery while feeling mentally confused.
Speech slurring is another neurological malady that 1-bromopane causes and is a condition that often goes hand in hand with mental confusion. Good communication is an attribute of practically every successful work environment. One of the last things any company wants is for its workers to communicate as if they had one too many martinis at happy hour.
In cases of severe, acute exposure to NPB, loss of consciousness can occur — a situation that is often preceded by the person experiencing dizziness. Like mental confusion, loss of consciousness is a major safety risk when it happens in the work environment. Even when no equipment is involved, loss of consciousness can lead to falls that cause head injuries.
According to the National Toxicology Program, 1-bromopane is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” This observation is primarily based on studies that show the development of cancer in animals exposed to NPB vapor. Cancerous conditions resulting from NPB exposure may take a long time to develop, but when they do, personal injury lawsuits are often the result.
Need a 1-Bromopane Replacement?
The best way to avoid the health risks of 1-bromopane is to replace the cleaning agent with one that has a better safety profile. Although high-level personal protective equipment (PPE) and special ventilation systems that trap airborne contaminants can help reduce the risks, taking these measures can be far more expensive than implementing a 1-bromopane replacement.
For assistance identifying a NPB replacement that is safe to use and delivers the same cleaning power, call us today at (800) 563-1305, to speak with one of our product specialists. We will help you find a safer, powerful cleaner to replace NPB for your cleaning operations!
Replacing NPB Industrial Cleaners Can Reduce Operating Costs
/in N-Propyl Bromide, Safer Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersNPB (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.