Workers' Exposures to n-Propyl Bromide at an Optical Prism and Optical Assemblies Manufacturer

摘要

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a field study at a prism and optical assembly manufacturing plant where n-propyl bromide (nPB) was used as a vapor de greasing solvent. Workers' breathing zone, and exhaled breath concentrations of nPB and isopropyl bromide (iPB) were measured on two consecutive days, as were urinary metabolite concentrations of bromide (Br) and propyl mercapturic acid (PMA). n-Propyl bromide has been marketed to replace ozone depleting solvents 1,1,1-trichloroethane and freons, as well as suspect carcinogens trichloroethylene and methylene chloride; chemicals commonly used in industry. Sparse data are currently available to evaluate human exposure to nPB. However, there is concern that nPB may be a hematological, reproductive, or neurological toxin, based on analogy to other Br-propanes, animal studies, and a few case studies.