[3] Chloroprene is a colorless volatile liquid, almost exclusively used as a monomer for the production of the polymer polychloroprene, better known as neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber.

[4] The chemists Elmer K. Bolton, Wallace Carothers, Arnold Collins and Ira Williams are generally accredited with its development and commercialisation although the work was based upon that of Julius Arthur Nieuwland, with whom they collaborated.

Handling of and exposure to chloroprene poses an occupational health risk to workers involved in the manufacture and production of neoprene.

[13] Several epidemiological studies and toxicological reports provide evidence of chloroprene's capability to inflict occupational health and safety concerns.

However, varying reviews of the degree to which chloroprene should be held responsible for health concerns highlight the criticality of sound scientific research.

[12] The high vaporization potential and flammability of chloroprene has significant implications for handling and storage operations in the occupational setting.

In addition, chloroprene has a high reactivity and should be stored away from oxidizing agents such as perchlorate, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine.

Additionally, the TLV basis for these designations are due to scientific studies that show an association between chloroprene exposure and lung cancer, upper respiratory tract (URT) and eye irritation.

Within exposed workers, they report respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation, chest pains, and neurological symptoms.

This highly flammable component increases the possibility of causing a fire or explosion releasing irritating or toxic fumes (or gases).

The request establishes a revision of EPA’s 2010 assessment of the chemical, arguing that the model used to estimate human cancer risk based on experiments, performed on mice, was not rigorous.