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Safe, sustainable n-Propyl Bromide and TCE replacement
The use of toxic chemicals like n-propyl bromide (nPB or 1-BP) and trichloroethylene (TCE) in vapour degreasing has become increasingly scrutinised by regulatory authorities throughout the world. Under EU Regulation, Trike’s sunset date took place in April 2016 and it is now banned with the exemption of authorised applications linked to specific companies. nPB's sunset date is scheduled for 2020. With zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids are a safe, sustainable cleaning alternative to n-propyl bromide (nPB) and trichloroethylene (TCE).
n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) safety regulations
Because of worker safety concerns, regulatory pressure is intensifying around nPB, or 1-bromopropane. The list of current/upcoming regulation changes for nPB includes:
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Global regulatory agencies target nPB over worker safety concerns
- European Union sunset as of 2020
- U.S. EPA top 10 chemicals to undergo risk evaluation
- U.S. EPA requires use reporting
- U.S. Department of Defense Emerging Risk Alert
- OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert
- American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) lowered nPB exposure guideline to 0.1 ppm (8-hour TWA threshold limit value) and reclassified nPB as category A3, or a “Confirmed Animal Carcinogen with Unknown Relevance to Humans”
Looking for a sustainable cleaning solvent that isn’t targeted for phasedown? Learn why Mustang Vacuum Systems, a vacuum deposition equipment manufacturer and service provider, switched from nPB to Novec fluids in their vapour degreasers.
nPB toxicity and margin of safety
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Put the safety of your workers first. In order to use nPB safely in vapour degreasing applications, companies need to reduce worker exposure levels to at least 10 ppm, which is equal to typical vapour degreasing exposure levels. The sunset date for nPB has now been set at 1st July 2020. Existing use of nPB can continue to this time, but companies seeking to invest in a new vapour degreasing system may wish to look at alternative solvents to protect their investment.
Non-cancer and cancer health risks were identified for workers with repeated and chronic exposure to nPB, including:
- Neurotoxicity
- Kidney toxicity
- Liver toxicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Lung cancer
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Trichloroethylene (TCE) safety regulations
TCE is a Class A2 suspected human carcinogen. TCE poses an unreasonable risk to human health including significant non-cancer risks from exposure. Chronic exposure of TCE in vapour degreasing can result in serious adverse health effects. Because of these worker safety concerns, the U.S. EPA has proposed a ban on TCE in vapour degreasing. And in the E.U., it is already banned for use without special permits under Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH).
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HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) sustainability regulations
First introduced in 2006 and revised in 2014, the aim of the F-gas Regulation is to reduce the emission of fluorinated greenhouse gases, including HFCs used in precision cleaning applications. The updated F-gas Regulation prohibits the sale of some HFCs, including HFC-23 from the beginning of 2015, plus a phasing down of all other HFCs to 21 per cent of 2009-2012 levels by 2030. Because HFCs are no longer viable cleaning solvents, it’s time to choose a smarter, safer and more sustainable solvent for your vapour degreasing operations.
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Our experts follow the latest news from the U.S. EPA, the EU and other global regulatory authorities governing TCE, HCFCs and more. Get quick summaries of new developments and their potential impact on your business and your cleaning processes – helping you avoid business disruption. Visit our newsletter archives or subscribe for more.
How do 3M Novec Engineered Fluids compare to nPB and TCE?
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A safer, more sustainable replacement for nPB and TCE
Typical vapour degreasing exposure is on the limit of the nPB exposure guideline, making it an unsafe solution for this application. Like nPB, TCE has a low exposure guideline. 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids have an average exposure guideline of 200 ppm (molar weighted average of the component 8-hour threshold limit values), meaning they have a 20x higher exposure guideline than nPB and Trike. Under EU Regulation, Trike’s sunset date took place in April 2016 and it is now banned with the exemption of authorised applications linked to specific companies. nPB's sunset date is scheduled for 2020.
Learn more about using Novec Engineered Fluids for Solvent Cleaning & Vapour Degreasing
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Cleaning Solvent Comparisons: How does 3M™ Novec™ 72DE Engineered Fluid compare to nPB and TCE?
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*The 200 ppm value is the molar weighted average of the component 8-hour threshold limit values. **Margin of Safety in Use = Exposure Guideline / Exposure (assumed 10 ppmv 8-hour time weighted average)
Ready to try a Novec cleaning solvent?
Whether you're looking for an nPB alternative or a TCE replacement, we want to make your transition to a new cleaning solvent as simple as possible. With a range of Novec fluids to choose from, a product sample or cleaning trial could help you find the best Novec solution for your needs.
Contact us to learn more about Novec cleaning solvents
Our team of engineers and experts are ready to answer your questions and offer you support, including help to arrange samples and cleaning trials. Contact us today.