From AAIA Capital Report
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has released for public comment a draft analysis of cumene and 1-bromopropane. The draft recommends that both substances be classified as reasonably anticipated human carcinogens. A final classification decision by the Department of Health and Human Services that the substances are human carcinogens could trigger state and federal regulations, including hazard warnings on material safety data sheets.
Cumene is an alkylated benzene found in fossil fuels, such as blended gasoline and kerosene and products of incomplete combustion. The substance is a high production volume chemical in the U.S., with the majority of its use in the synthesis of acetone and phenol. Of relevance to the aftermarket is the fact that the chemical is found in fuel injector system cleaners. While most exposures in the U.S. are through inhalation at concentrations less than 1 part per million, the analysis also states that exposures of 1,000 to 10,000 times higher have been reported and may occur in painting, car repair and other applications outside of manufacturing. Based on laboratory animal data that found tumors in multiple tissues in mice and rates, the analysis concludes that cumene is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
1-bromopropane is a brominated hydrocarbon that is currently used as a solvent in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The substance is used as a solvent cleaner to degrease electronics, precision optics and metals as a solvent vehicle in industries that use aerosolized adhesives, including foam cushion manufacturing. According to the analysis, occupational exposures to 1-bromopropane have increased due to new industrial and commercial applications as a substitute for ozone-depleting chemicals. Based on laboratory animal data, the substance also would be classified as a reasonably anticipated human carcinogen, according to the NTP analysis.
The draft analysis will be available for public comment until March 7 of this year. A peer review, which is open to the public, will take place at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Morrisville, N.C., and is scheduled for March 21-22.
A copy of the Federal Register Notice can be found here.
