DBNPA in water and air: safety profile

What is dbnpa?

The IUPAC name is 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide.

Also known as: 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide, Tektamer, Napabrom, N-Chloroacetanilide.

IUPAC name

2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide

CAS number

10222-01-2

Molecular formula

C3H4Br2N2O

Molecular weight

243.88 g/mol

SMILES

CC(=O)N(C1=CC=CC=C1)Cl

PubChem CID

11365

Regulatory consensus

2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified DBNPA. The classifications differ — that's the data.

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where you encounter dbnpa

• paper mill systems
• cooling water
• industrial disinfection
• water treatment

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to DBNPA:

• Physical preservation methods (UV treatment, filtration, controlled atmosphere)
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Naturally-derived antimicrobials (essential oil components at validated concentrations)
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
• Hurdle technology combining multiple mild preservation methods
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions