"The chemical 1-bromopropane is used in dry cleaning, degreasers, adhesives and aerosols, as well as other products.

EPA has given one last stamp of approval to adding a common solvent to its list of air toxics, opening the door to a potentially contentious fight over how to regulate businesses that emit the compound, known as 1-bromopropane.

The addition will officially take effect next month, according to the final rule set for publication in tomorrow’s Federal Register. Already, however, EPA staff has begun "working on a separate regulatory ‘infrastructure’ to address the impacts, implications, and requirements" tied to the first-ever expansion of the agency’s hazardous air pollutant roster, the rule says. Additional guidance is also in the works.

Also known as n-propyl bromide, the compound is linked to cancer in animals and is used by manufacturers, dry cleaners and other businesses. The rule’s publication will end a regulatory slog launched in 2010 when a chemical industry trade group first petitioned the agency to make the addition.

EPA had granted the petition, along with a similar request from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in 2020, but then decided a formal rulemaking was also needed to assess the potential consequences."

Sean Reilly reports for E&E News January 4, 2022. [2]