1-Bromopropane (n-propyl bromide or 1-bromopropane, 1-BP), a replacement of ozone depleting
substances (ODS), mainly used for metal, plastic, electronic and optical elements cleaning and
degreasing, adhesive spray applications, dry-cleaning solvent spray and other applications. The animal
studies and human epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity,
and reproductive and developmental toxicity of 1-BP. The ACGIH classified 1-BP as an A3 chemical,
confirmed animal carcinogen. At present, our government does not announce the permissible exposure
level of 1-BP. However, several confirmed occupational diseases have been reported in Japan, the
United States and Taiwan. It indicated that the occupational exposures of 1-BP cannot be ignored.
This project investigated the exposure profiles of three manufacturers which used 1-BP in their
manufacturing processes. Personal and area air samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate
the exposure status of workers. The concentrations of area samples exceeded the recommended
permissible concentrations suggested by either US EPA, Cal OSHA or ACGIH.
Five most commonly used protective gloves - neoprene gloves glove, nitrile glove, natural latex
glove, butyl rubber glove and Silver Shield® glove were tested for the protective efficiencies of 1-BP.
Except for Silver Shield® glove, the other four gloves were broken through by1-BP within 15 minutes
without effective protection. Silver Shield® glove was recommended to be used to provide workers
the appropriate hand protection, but the total use time should not exceed eight hours.