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Occupational exposure to 1,2-dibromo3-chloropropane (DBCP) may occur with workers who manufacture or use the compound, or who may use it as a chemical intermediate in synthesis. Possible sources of DBCP are from the use of pesticides, from food grown in soil containing DBCP, or residual amounts in drinking water left over following the substance ban for farming and pesticide applications prior to 1990. This colorless, foul-smelling liquid is readily absorbed through the skin, orally, or by inhalation. Exposure can result in negative health effects on the respiratory, reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems that have long-term consequences.
DCBA was used as an intermediate in the synthesis of organic chemicals, such as brominated flame retardants, and was extensively used as a soil fumigant and nematocide on over 40 different crops in the United States. Originally used to protect field crops, vegetables, fruits and nuts, nursery and greenhouse crops, and sod, the EPA finally issued an intent to cancel all registrations for DBCP-containing pesticide products in 1985. This led to greater protection of workers, communities, and the environment.
Scope
Although the use of DBCP became limited between 1977 and 1979, its use as a pesticide may have lingering exposure potential in industries like agriculture, food processing, or hazardous waste management.
The highest levels of exposure may occur with workers who manufacture or use the compound for research or as a chemical intermediate during processing. Those in areas that obtain drinking water from contaminated groundwater sources, typically at or near agricultural areas or waste disposal areas where DCBA had been used as a soil fumigant in the past.
Most, if not all, of these exposures are expected to be rare and at relatively low levels; however, employers must be aware of the potential for worker exposure. There is no action limit (AL) set for DBCP, but the permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0 parts per billion (ppb) for skin and eye contact and 1 ppb for inhalation as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910.1044 (general industry) or 29 CFR 1926.1144 (construction)
- 29 CFR 1904 — Recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I — Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart N — Materials handling and storage
- 29 CFR 1910.1020 — Access to employee exposure and medical records
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 — Hazard communication
- 29 USC 654 — General duty clause of the OSH Act
Key definitions
- Action limit (AL): The point at which a task or activity should be proactively changed to prevent an injury, illness, or other negative consequence.
- Exposure: Subjecting a worker to a hazardous drug by any route of entry, such as inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or absorption. Exposure includes potential (e.g., accidental or possible) exposure.
- Hazardous: Posing a health hazard, a physical hazard, or harm to people or the environment.
- Nematocide: A substance used to control or eradicate the nematode worm.
- Permissible exposure limit (PEL): The legal regulatory limit of a substance that a worker can be exposed to without adverse health effects.
- Pesticide: A substance used to control or eradicate insects or other harmful organisms.
- Synthesis: The blending or combining of complex chemical compounds to create one or more products.
- Time-weighted average (TWA): A calculation of a worker’s average exposure to a hazardous material or substance over a given period of time, typically 8 hours.
Summary of requirements
- Conduct hazard assessments to identify operations or activities that may expose, or potentially expose, an employee to DBCP.
- Consult with industrial hygienists or other occupational health and safety professionals for guidance as necessary.
- Develop an exposure control plan to ensure workers are protected from overexposure.
- Implement procedures for safe handling, disposal, and inspection of facilities, equipment, and tools used for processes containing DBCP.
- Ensure hazardous materials are properly inventoried and labeled and that safety data sheets (SDSs) are readily accessible for workers.
- Train workers in chemical and material handling hazards and required protective measures.
- Investigate any worker incidents or near misses to find root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.