Risk management approach for propane, 1-bromo- (1-bromopropane)

Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
106-94-5

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Health Canada

April 2026

Summary of proposed risk management

This document outlines the proposed risk management actions under consideration for 1- bromopropane, which has been found to be harmful to human health. For the purposes of subparagraph 77(6)(c)(i) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Government of Canada is considering the following new risk management action:

• Measures to help reduce exposures to 1-bromopropane from silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive air conditioning (A/C) flush by developing regulations under CEPA that would restrict the use of 1-bromopropane in these product types.

To inform risk management decision-making, information on the following topics should be provided (ideally on or before June24, 2026) to the contact details identified in section 8 of this document:

• Alternatives to certain products available to consumers in Canada containing 1-bromopropane, such as silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive A/C flush.

The risk management actions outlined in this Risk Management Approach document may evolve through consideration of assessments and risk management options or actions published for other Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) substances as required to ensure effective, coordinated, and consistent risk management decision-making.

Note: The proposed risk management actions may evolve through consideration of additional information obtained from the public comment period, literature and other sources.

1. Context

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) (Canada 1999) provides the authority for the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the Ministers) to conduct assessments to determine if substances are toxic to the environment and/or harmful to human health as set out in section 64 of CEPA^{Footnote 1, Footnote 2}, and, if so, to manage the associated risks.

2. Issue

Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada conducted a joint scientific assessment on four substances in the Alkyl Halides Group, including 1-bromopropane. A notice summarizing the scientific considerations of the final assessment for these substances was published in the Canada Gazette,Part I on April 25, 2026 (Canada 2026). For further information, refer to the assessment for Alkyl Halides Group.

2.1  Final assessment conclusion

On the basis of the information available, the assessment concludes that 1-bromopropane meets the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA because it is entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health (ECCC, HC 2026). However, it is concluded that 1-bromopropane is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity, or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends under section 64(a) or 64(b) of CEPA, respectively (ECCC, HC 2026).

The exposures of concern identified in the assessment are based on the potential release of 1-bromopropane from products available to consumers including: silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive air conditioning (A/C) flush. As such, this document will focus on these exposure sources of concern (refer to section 5).

The other 3 substances in the assessment (ECCC, HC 2026); bromoethane, chloroethane and trans-1,2-dichloroethene do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

The Government of Canada has a duty, in the administration of CEPA, to protect the right to a healthy environment as provided for under CEPA, subject to reasonable limits. An implementation framework sets out considerations to protect this right and uphold the principles described in the implementation framework.

Recognizing that CEPA decisions are informed by analyses and consultations that are often the result of years of work, the transition period is in place to allow the departments to support continued protection of the environment and human health. The objective of the transition period is to advance timely CEPA decisions and actions while consideration of the right to a healthy environment and relevant principles is being fully integrated into the administration of the Act. This risk management approach is proceeding under the transition period referenced in the implementation framework.

The risk management approach contributes to an environment that is protected from harmful substances. Although the work to inform the risk management approach was undertaken prior to the availability of the implementation framework, the risk management approach supports several elements identified in the framework, such as participation in decision making through the public comment period on the proposed risk management options.

2.2  Recommendation under CEPA

CEPA sets out a 2-track approach for managing risks.

Under sub-section 77(3), the Ministers are required to propose recommending the addition of a substance that meets the criteria in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) to Part 1^{Footnote 3} of Schedule 1 to CEPA and, in developing a proposed regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions, to give priority to the total, partial or conditional prohibition of activities in relation to the substance or to the release of the substance into the environment.

For other substances recommended for addition to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA, the Ministers shall give priority to pollution prevention, and this could include regulatory or non-regulatory measures such as prohibition if warranted.

On the basis of the findings of the assessment conducted pursuant to CEPA, the Ministers recommend that 1-bromopropane be added to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA^{Footnote 4}. Addition of a substance to Schedule 1 to CEPA enables the Government to propose certain risk management measures under CEPA to manage potential ecological and human health risks associated with the substance.

The Ministers have taken into consideration comments made by stakeholders during the 60-day public comment period on the draft assessment for Alkyl Halides Group and its associated risk management scope.

As the Ministers finalize the recommendation to add 1-bromopropane to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA, risk management instruments must, unless an exception in section 91 of CEPA applies, be proposed within 24 months from the date on which the Ministers recommended that 1-bromopropane be added to Schedule 1 to CEPA, and finalized within 18 months from the date on which the risk management instruments are proposed, as outlined in sections 91 and 92 of CEPA (refer to section 8 for publication timelines applicable to this group of substances). Adding a substance to Schedule 1 does not, in itself, establish any controls. Rather, it enables the Government of Canada to take risk management actions under CEPA.

2.3  Public comment period on the draft screening assessment report and the risk management scope

The draft screening assessment for the Alkyl Halides Group (ECCC, HC 2022a) and its associated Risk Management Scope document for 1-bromopropane (ECCC, HC 2022b) summarizing the proposed risk management options under consideration at that time were published on March 5, 2022. Stakeholders were invited to submit comments on both documents during a 60-day comment period.

Comments received on the Risk Management Scope document were taken into consideration in the development of this document. For further information, please refer to the summary of responses to public comments received.

3. Proposed risk management

3.1  Proposed human health objective

Proposed human health objectives are quantitative or qualitative statements of what should be achieved to address human health concerns.

The proposed human health objective for 1-bromopropane is focused on addressing the risks and exposure sources of concern outlined in section 5 of this document. As such, the proposed human health objective for 1-bromopropane is to reduce inhalation exposure of the general population to this substance.

3.2 Proposed risk management objective

Proposed risk management objectives set quantitative or qualitative targets to be achieved by the implementation of risk management regulation(s), instrument(s) and/or tool(s) for a given substance or substances.

In the case of 1-bromopropane, the proposed risk management objective for the protection of human health is to reduce consumer exposures to 1-bromopropane from certain products available to consumers, notably silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive A/C flush.

3.3  Proposed risk management actions

To achieve the proposed risk management objective and work towards achieving the proposed human health objective, as well as for the purposes of subparagraph 77(6)(c)(i) of CEPA, the Government of Canada is considering the following new risk management actions:

• Measures to help reduce exposures to 1-bromopropane from silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive A/C flush by developing regulations under CEPA that would restrict the use of 1-bromopropane in these product types.

Following the publication of this Risk Management Approach document, additional information obtained from the public comment period and from other sources will be considered, along with the information presented in this document, in the instrument selection and development process^{Footnote 5} . The risk management actions outlined in this document may evolve through consideration of assessments and risk management actions published for other Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) substances to ensure effective, coordinated, and consistent risk management.

The design of proposed risk management instruments will strive to keep administrative burden on industry low while continuing to ensure that protections for human health and the environment are in place. This includes ensuring that requirements are aligned with other key jurisdictions wherever possible, keeping reporting requirements to those that are essential for effective administration, ensuring decision-making and processes are clear and streamlined, enabling innovation and alternative methods where feasible, and leveraging modern tools and innovative process solutions.

3.4 Performance measurement and evaluation

Performance measurement evaluates the ongoing effectiveness and relevance of the actions taken to manage risks from toxic substances^{Footnote 6} . Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada have developed a Performance Measurement Evaluation Strategy that sets out the approach to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken on substances found toxic under CEPA. The aim is to determine whether human health objectives have been met and whether there is a need to revisit the risk management approach for those substances. Selection of a substance for performance measurement evaluation is conducted through readiness, prioritization and workplanning as outlined in the Performance Measurement Evaluation Strategy. In evaluating progress and revisiting risk management, as warranted, these activities together will aim to manage risks effectively over time.

The Government of Canada may measure the effectiveness of the risk management actions and the progress towards meeting the risk management and human health objective for 1-bromopropane.

To do so, the Government of Canada may collect and analyze data including data on the prevalence and usage of 1-bromopropane in automotive A/C flush, silicone mold release spray, textile ink remover spray, and electrical equipment cleaner spray.

When performance measurement and evaluation is undertaken, results are used to inform whether further risk management action is warranted and are made available to the public along with recommendations for further action, if applicable.

3.5  Risk Management Information Gaps

Interested stakeholders can provide further information to inform risk management decision-making regarding 1-bromopropane, including:

• Alternatives to certain products available to consumers in Canada containing 1-bromopropane, notably silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive A/C flush.

Should stakeholders have further information to help address these gaps, they should provide it to the contact identified in section 8 of this document on or before June 24, 2026 to inform the risk management decision-making process.

4. Background

4.1  General information on 1-bromopropane

1-Bromopropane is an organic substance that is part of the Alkyl Halides Group. 1-Bromopropane is naturally occurring and it is produced by algae. In addition,1-bromopropane is synthesized commercially in Canada. 1-Bromopropane is also a volatile organic compound (VOC).

4.2  Current uses and identified sectors

According to information submitted in response to a CEPA section 71 survey,
1-bromopropane was reported to be manufactured in Canada in 2008 at a volume of 1 000 kg to 10 000 kg. 1-Bromopropane was reported to be imported in Canada in total quantities up to 257 000 kg in 2008 (Environment Canada 2009).

Identified major commercial and consumer uses in Canada of 1-bromopropane
include in cleaning and furnishing care, automotive care, lubricants and greasers, degreasers, and munitions.

1-Bromopropane may be found in consumer products available to people in Canada including silicone mold release spray (MSDS 2016a), electrical equipment cleaner spray (MSDS 2017b), automotive A/C flush (MSDS 2017c) as a solvent, and textile ink remover spray (MSDS 2015b).

5. Exposure sources of concern and identified risks

According to the assessment (ECCC, HC 2026), the exposure sources of concern for the general population in Canada to 1-bromopropane occur primarily from the use of certain products available to consumers including silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive A/C flush. These products can be currently found in the Canadian market. Only intermittent uses by adults are expected for available products.

While the primary route of exposure is considered to be inhalation, dermal exposure may also occur through skin contact for liquid consumer product formulations (for example, automotive A/C flush) or through vapour or mist deposition onto the skin from spray product formulations (for example, a silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray).

According to the assessment (ECCC, HC 2026), the critical health effect endpoint for 1-bromopropane is developmental toxicity. A comparison of the critical effect levels and the estimated levels of exposure to 1-bromopropane from inhalation exposure scenarios for silicone mold release spray, electrical equipment cleaner spray, textile ink remover spray and automotive A/C flush resulted in margins of exposure that are considered inadequate to account for uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.

For dermal exposure to products used by consumers, the margins of exposure between critical effects and the estimate of intake of 1-bromopropane are considered adequate to account for uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.

6. Risk management considerations

6.1  Alternatives and alternate technologies

There are several alternatives to 1-bromopropane in industrial cleaning applications as a degreaser, including alcohols and water-based alkaline degreasers. These alternatives generally require higher investment costs, more process and cleaning steps, as well as increased energy costs (TemaNord 2005). Liquid CO² is a newer alternative degreasing agent, which requires higher installation requirements as it must operate under pressure in closed systems (TemaNord 2005).

A comparative study of 1-bromopropane and its alternatives for vapour degreasing indicated that all alternative solvents tested cleaned in the range of, or better than, 1-bromopropane. In addition, the study parameters were that the alternatives needed to meet a variety of other requirements such as not being an ozone depleting substance (NASA 2012).

In addition, there are other 1-bromopropane alternatives used in industrial settings advertised as a direct drop-in replacement to 1-bromopropane for several applications, such as heavy-duty flux removal, vapour degreasing, cold-cleaning operations, precision cleaning of printed circuit boards, and removal of greases and oils (Miller-Stephenson 2016). These alternatives include chlorinated and fluorinated solvents, as well as soy-based and water-based cleaners. Water-based cleaners are the best alternatives to 1-bromopropane used in vapour degreasing as they are extremely versatile and many water-based cleaners exist for different cleaning processes (Wolf 2021).

New formulations of products of concern such as textile ink remover spray and electrical equipment cleaners are currently being marketed that do not contain 1-bromopropane.

6.2  Socio-economic and technical considerations

No information on socio-economic or technical considerations was identified. We

ask that stakeholders submit information on these considerations, if known.

Socio-economic factors will be considered in the selection process for a regulation and/or instrument respecting preventive or control actions and in the development of the risk management objective as per the guidance provided in the Treasury Board Policy on Regulatory Development (TBS 2018b).

In addition, socio-economic factors will be considered in the development of the regulations, instrument(s) and/or tool(s) to address risk management objective(s), as identified in the Cabinet Directive on Regulation (TBS 2018a), Red Tape Reduction Action Plan (TBS 2012), and the Red Tape Reduction Act (Canada 2015), as well as in the objectives of the most recent federal Red Tape Review (TBS 2025).

7. Overview of existing risk management

7.1  Related Canadian risk management context

Occupational exposure limits have been identified for 1-bromopropane by a few provincial and territorial governments. The Ontario government has an occupational benchmark value of 51 µg/m³ for 1-bromopropane (Ontario 2019). The Government of Alberta has an 8-hour occupational exposure limit of 50 mg/m³ (Government of Alberta 2021). British Columbia has outlined an occupational exposure limit of 0.1 ppm for 1-bromopropane (WorkSafeBC 2023). Northwest Territories has established an occupational exposure limit of 10 ppm (Government of Northwest Territories 2020).

The Quebec government has listed 1-bromopropane as a halocarbon with an ozone depleting potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) in the Regulation respecting halocarbons under the Environment Quality Act (Quebec 2022).

Canada is a Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. Parties to the Protocol have identified 1-Bromopropane as an ozone-depleting substance. However, taking into account its relatively small ozone-depleting potential and global usage, Parties have not decided to control the substance under the Protocol. Periodic updates on the impact on the ozone layer and consumption trends of 1-Bromopropane are provided to the Parties by the Protocol’s Scientific Assessment Panel and Technology and Economic Assessment Panel. Parties to the Montreal Protocol have taken a few decisions related to 1-Bromopropane (referred to as n-propyl bromide (nPB) under the Protocol), notably, Decision XIII/7, which requests Parties to: 

• Inform industry and users about the concerns surrounding the use and emissions of nPB and the potential threat that these might pose to the ozone layer; 
• Urge industry and users to consider limiting the use of nPB to applications where more economically feasible and environmentally friendly alternatives are not available, and to urge them also to take care to minimize exposure and emissions during use and disposal.

The Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on January 5, 2022, under CEPA and apply to Canadian manufacturers and importers. The regulations establish VOC concentration limits for approximately 130 product categories and subcategories, including electrical equipment cleaner spray and adhesive removers. The regulations set a VOC concentration limit for the total amount of VOCs in a certain product.

Chemical products available to consumers are subject to the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations (CCCR, 2001) under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). 1-Bromopropane is not listed as a substance of special concern in the CCCR, 2001. However, all hazardous ingredients, as defined in the CCCR, 2001, must be considered when classifying a product. A consumer product that meets any of the criteria for the acute hazard categories set out in the CCCR, 2001 must display labelling in the form of hazard symbols, warning statements, instructions for safe use and/or first-aid treatments in both official languages. There are also requirements for the label to disclose hazardous ingredients. Packaging requirements such as child-resistant containers may also apply.

7.2  Pertinent international risk management context

In the European Union (EU), 1-bromopropane is identified under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) program as a substance of very high concern requiring authorization. As such, it cannot be placed on the market or used after a given date ("sunset date") unless an authorization is granted for its specific use, or the use is exempted from authorization. 1-Bromopropane had a sunset date of July 4, 2020 (ECHA 2023). Additionally, it is prohibited for use in cosmetics.

In the United States (US), 1-bromopropane is regulated federally under the Toxic Substances Control Act(TSCA), which requires the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to address unreasonable risks found from 1-bromopropane. The assessment for 1-bromopropane was subject to the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) work plan, which aimed to facilitate and enhance collaboration between the Government of Canada and the US EPA and ensure consistency between risk assessment approaches and conclusions. As of January 5, 2022, 1-bromopropane has been added to the list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) under the US Clean Air Act (US EPA 2022a). In April 2022, the US EPA also added 1-bromopropane to the list of hazardous substances under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (US EPA 2022b).

1-Bromopropane is also subject to the Environmental Protection Act in the US, which sets national VOC emission standards for consumer and commercial products (Title 40, Part 59, Subpart E); the US Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, which requires 1-bromopropane to be reportable under the Toxics Release Inventory program; and the Clean Air Act, which regulates air toxic standards for source categories that emit 1-bromopropane. There are also applicable state laws and regulations.

In December 2022, the US EPA released a final revised risk determination for 1-bromopropane, amending the August 2020 risk evaluation under the amended TSCA. The final revised risk determination is based on 1-bromopropane as a whole chemical substance (rather than on individual conditions of use). Additionally, the US EPA acknowledged that workers exposed to 1-bromopropane are not always provided with, or appropriately wear, personal protective equipment (PPE). The use of PPE, industry products and engineering controls will be considered in the US EPA risk management process (US EPA 2022c).

In August 2024, the US EPA proposed a TSCA rule that would prohibit the majority of consumer uses of the solvent 1-bromopropane, while allowing most of its industrial and commercial applications to continue subject to "strict" workplace requirements. The proposal looks to ban the manufacture, import, processing and distribution in commerce of all consumer uses of 1-bromopropane, except in insulation. It would prohibit the solvent in the following industrial and commercial categories; adhesives and sealants; dry cleaning solvents, spot cleaners and stain removers; coin and scissor cleaners; and other uses in arts, crafts, hobby materials (adhesive accelerants); automotive care products (engine degreasers, brake cleaners, refrigerant flushes); anti-adhesive agents (mould cleaning and release products); and functional fluids (closed/open-systems) (US EPA, 2024).

8. Next steps

8.1  Public comment period

Interested stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the content of this document or other information that would help to inform decision-making (such as outlined in sections 3). Please submit additional information and comments prior to June 24, 2026.

Comments and information submissions on the risk management approach should be submitted to the address provided below:

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

Companies who have a business interest in 1-bromopropane are encouraged to identify themselves as stakeholders. The stakeholders will be informed of future decisions regarding 1-bromopropane and may be contacted for further information.

Stakeholders and members of the public who are interested in being notified of CMP publications are invited to subscribe for the latest news on the CMP.  Stakeholders and members of the public who would like to receive CMP Publication Plans on a quarterly basis by email can contact: substances@ec.gc.ca.

Following the public comment period on the risk management approach document, the Government of Canada will initiate the development of the specific risk management instrument(s), where necessary. Comments received on the risk management approach will be taken into consideration in the selection or development of these instrument(s). Consultation will also take place as instrument(s) are developed.

When a statement identifying the first such regulation or instrument is published in relation to 1-bromopropane, a statement outlining the estimated timeframe for the development of subsequent proposed regulations or instruments will be made available.

8.2 Timing of actions

Electronic consultation on the risk management approach: April 25, 2026 to June 24, 2026.

Publication of responses to public comments on the risk management approach document: Concurrent to the publication of the proposed instrument(s).

Publication of the proposed instrument(s):  At the latest, 24 months from the date on which the Ministers recommended that 1-bromopropane be added to Schedule 1 to CEPA.

Consultation on the proposed instrument(s): 60-day public comment period starting upon publication of each proposed instrument.

Publication of the final instrument(s):  At the latest, 18 months from the publication of each proposed instrument(s).

These are planned timelines, and are subject to change. Please consult the schedule of risk management activities and consultations for updated information on timeline.