Bronopol

Synonyms

2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol; 2-Nitro-2-bromo-1,3-propanediol; Bronidiol; Bronocot; Bronopol; Bronopolu [Polish]; Bronopolum [INN-Latin]; Bronosol; Bronotak; Lexgard bronopol; Onyxide 500; beta-Bromo-beta-nitrotrimethyleneglycol; [ChemIDplus] UN3241

Category

Biocides/Disinfectants

Sources/Uses

Bronopol is a preservative and antiseptic used in cosmetics and topical medications. It is used as a preservative in paints, textiles, cooling towers, humidifiers, and hide processing. [Marks, p. 136-7] Used in cleaning agents, paints, cosmetics, glues, paper mills, water systems, metalworking fluids, polishes, and printing inks; [Kanerva, p. 405]

Comments

Bronopol is a skin sensitizer. Cosmetic preparations contain concentrations of 0.01% to 0.02%. Significant irritant effects are seen when the concentration reaches 1% or greater. [Marks, p. 136-7] Skin sensitization reported in dairy workers and a veterinarian using a gel for ultrasound examinations; [Kanerva, p. 1762] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; A skin sensitizer; [ICSC]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

1.26E-11 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

VP from HSDB;

Reference Link #2

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Dressing Hair
• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Metal Machining
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides
• Working with Glues and Adhesives

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy)