It’s official. N-propyl bromide (nPB), a solvent commonly used in cleaning and vapor degreasing, meets the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s criteria for classification as toxic for reproduction (category 1B) for adverse effects on sexual function and fertility or on development. Therefore, nPB, also known as 1-Bromopropane or 1-BP, will be included in Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Annex XIV (PDF, 344 KB) to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 set out in Article 57(c), and will be sunset accordingly.

ECHA has assigned the sunset date for nPB as July 4, 2020.

Substance:

• 1-Bromopropane (n-propyl bromide)
• EC No: 203-445-0
• CAS No: 106-94-5

Transitional arrangements:
Latest application date: January 4, 2019
EU-based users need to apply for special authorization to continue using nPB. The “last application” deadline to apply for authorization is January 4, 2019.
Article 58(1)(c)(ii)

Sunset date: July 4, 2020
n-propyl bromide can no longer be used without authorization after the sunset date of July 4, 2020.
Article 58(1)(c)(i)

Intrinsic property referred to in Article 57:
Toxic for reproduction (category 1B)

Entry Number:
'32

Europe is a global leader in setting precedents for safety and environmental regulations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is not far behind. Last year, the U.S. EPA released for public comment and peer review a draft risk assessment for n-propyl bromide (nPB) when used in spray adhesives, dry cleaning (including spot cleaners) applications, and vapor degreasing.

With increasing regulations around the globe on the use of nPB in vapor degreasing, it’s time to switch to safer, sustainable solvents like 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids. Explore the new 3M™ Novec™ Brand website for more reasons to choose 3M Novec Engineered Fluids to replace nPB in your solvent cleaning and vapor degreasing applications.

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