Comment submitted by E. Snyder

EPA concluded in the proposal that the substitution of nPB for TCE and/or MC in halogenated solvent cleaners should not pose any health risk to the general population. However, due to limited health data on nPB, the agency requested comments on additional or new information which might suggest that this conclusion is incorrect. An article published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report discussed two health cases, one in New Jersey and the other in Pennsylvania, that involved exposure to n-PB in the occupational setting. Both cases reported significant neurotoxic effects and provide substantial evidence on why nPB should not be used as a substitute in halogenated solvent cleaners. The link and reference to the article is below. If you have any additional questions, please contact Erica Snyder of the NJDEP at (609) 292-0273. Neurologic Illness Associated with Occupational Exposure to the Solvent 1-Bromopropane - New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 2007-2008 (see pages 1300-1302, or 4-6) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5748.pdf