1-Bromopropane is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, insecticides, quaternary ammonium compounds, flavors and fragrances.  It is also used as a solvent for industrial cleaning (degreasing, metal processing and finishing, electronics, aerospace and aviation), in aerosols, textiles, spray adhesives, inks, and coatings.  In some states 1-Bromopropane is used as a solvent in dry cleaning because of restrictions on perchloroethylene.  Production of 1-Bromopropane has increased in recent years due to the reduction in use and banning of ozone-depleting solvents.

The major hazard from exposure to 1-Bromopropane is peripheral neuropathy.  Peripheral neuropathy refers to the conditions that result when nerves that connect to the brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body are damaged or diseased.  Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include tingling, numbness, loss of sensation in the arms or legs, pain in the feet or heels, fatigue, headaches, vision problems (difficulty focusing), muscular twitching, and cognitive effects.

In December 2008, the Centers for Disease Control published a report titled “Neurologic Illness Associated with Occupational Exposure to the Solvent 1-Bromopropane – New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 2007-2008,” in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. This report alerted the occupational medicine community to a new toxic hazard – neurotoxicity from exposure to 1-Bromopropane – the newest occupational disease from toxic chemical exposure.

In 2009, the Metzger Law Group filed its first Bromopropane-neurotoxicity case on behalf of a machinist who used Lenium (a brand name for 1-Bromopropane) and was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.  Concerned that there might be an epidemic of neuropathy among California workers using 1-Bromopropane, the Metzger Law Group reported this case to the California Department of Health which conducted a public health investigation and concluded that the worker’s peripheral neuropathy “was, with reasonable medical probability, attributable to Lenium [1-Bromopropane] exposure on-the-job.”

The Metzger Law Group is desirous of alerting workers, employers, physicians, and the medical and public health community to this new toxic hazard and occupational disease.  If you work with Lenium or another brand of 1-Bromopropane and have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, or if you have been experiencing any of the symptoms of this disease, please call the Metzger Law Group for a free case evaluation and consultation.  We will refer you to physicians who are familiar with this new occupational disease and can properly diagnose the disease.  If you do have a bromopropane-induced peripheral neuropathy or related medical condition, the Metzger Law Group will vigorously litigate your case to obtain compensation for your injuries.