About S-chloropropane (DBCP)

What is Chloropropane?

Also known as DCBP, dibromochloropropane is an organic compound with yellow color and pungent odor. The dense liquid is an active ingredient of Fumazone and is commonly used in American agriculture.

What Types of Industrial Uses Does it Have?

The organic compound is mainly used as an unclassified nematocide for soil fumigation of vegetable crops including okra, carrots, cucumbers, squash, cauliflower, and cabbage. It is also used to control nematocides in lawns and ornamental shrubs.

How Does Chloropropane Get into Your Drinking Water?

Since the organic liquid is used in soil fumigation in agricultural settings, the chemical compound may find its way into water systems either through runoff or leaching. It is quite common for private wells in nearby agricultural settings to find the contaminant in the water. Chloropropane is used on vegetable farms as well as in orchards.

What are the Health Risks Associated with Chloropropane?

The common health problem associated with the organic compound is the experience of reproductive difficulties. Prolonged exposure to chlorophane-contaminated water may lead to higher risks of acquiring cancer. Drinking water containing the chemical compound over the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for years may lead to these health issues.

How Common is Chloropropane in Water?

The dense liquid is common in water systems such as private wells in nearby agricultural settings where it is used as a soil fumigant. Unlike other water contaminants, it is not quite common in water systems where soil fumigation is not applied.

What is the EPA’s Standards for Chloropropane in Drinking Water?

The Environmental Protection Agency has set an MCLG of zero for the water contaminant chloropropane. The EPA monitors water systems to prevent potential health problems associated with chloropropane.

What is the Best Reduction Media for Removing Chloropropane from Drinking Water?

The best way to remove the contaminant from your drinking water is with granular activated carbon (GAC) paired with packed tower aeration for top results. Setting up a water filter system at home will help remove the contaminant from the feed water before it reaches your glasses. Whole house water filter systems like AquaOx are capable of eliminating potential contaminants in your drinking water including chloropropane. With its powerful filter media, the water treatment system can separate impurities while it keeps your water quality intact. Keep your loved ones safe by installing a reliable water filtration system at home. contact us today, and find out how we can help save lives by keeping your water clean and fresh!

1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) was used in the past as a soil fumigant and nematocide on crops; it is no longer used except as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. Acute (short-term) exposure to DBCP in humans results in moderate depression of the central nervous system (CNS) and pulmonary congestion from inhalation, and gastrointestinal distress and pulmonary edema from oral exposure. Chronic (long-term) exposure to DBCP in humans causes male reproductive effects, such as decreased sperm counts. Testicular effects and decreased sperm counts were observed in animals chronically exposed to DBCP by inhalation. Available human data on DBCP and cancer are inadequate. High incidences of tumors of the nasal tract, tongue, adrenal cortex, and lungs of rodents were reported in a National Toxicology Program (NTP) inhalation study. EPA has classified DBCP as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.

Source: EPA Air Toxics