PM 1/26: Bromide salts

The purpose of this report is to further examine the conditions for a potential restriction on the professional use of inorganic bromide salts, with a focus on ammonium bromide and potassium bromide. An exposure and risk assessment has been conducted. The report analyzes in greater detail the likelihood of risks of adverse effects on human health.

The Swedish Chemicals Agency has previously proposed harmonized classification of ammonium bromide (EC 235-183-8), potassium bromide (231-830-3), sodium bromide (231-599-9), and calcium bromide (232-164-6) as, for example, Repr. 1B and STOT RE 12. The four bromide salts, together with phosphorus tribromide (EC 232-178-2), were included by ECHA in the Assessment of Regulatory Needs (ARN) for inorganic bromide salts. ECHA identified that a restriction may be necessary for ammonium bromide and potassium bromide due to their reproductive toxicity and the risk of exposure during occupational use.

The purpose of this report is to further clarify the conditions for a potential restriction on the occupational use of inorganic bromide salts, with a focus on ammonium bromide and potassium bromide. An exposure and risk assessment has been conducted. The report analyzes in greater detail the likelihood of risks of adverse effects on human health.

The Swedish Chemicals Agency assesses that restricting the use of potassium bromide by professional users is a low priority. Although risks were identified for certain uses (RCR > 1), this conclusion is based on data showing a downward trend in the use of photographic products containing bromide salts.
For ammonium bromide and its use in photographic products, the Swedish Chemicals Agency also concludes that the substance has a low priority for restriction. However, regarding its use as a flame retardant, uncertainties remain concerning its use in spray applications. Based on additional information obtained through contact with the registrant, the Swedish Chemicals Agency concludes here as well that the substance has a low priority for restriction and that the remaining uncertainties should initially be addressed by updating the registrant’s REACH registration and, where appropriate, regulatory enforcement actions.