EPA Bans Consumer Sales of Some Paint Strippers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule banning methylene chloride used in paint removers for consumer use. The prohibition begins in August, according to SEMA.

Methylene chloride is also called dichloromethane or DCM and is used for paint and coating removal, metal cleaning and degreasing, plastic processing and adhesive manufacturing. Consumers exposed to the chemical may risk dizziness or potentially fatal nervous system disorders.

There are a variety of other alternative chemicals available to take the place of methylene chloride, according to SEMA. While the chemical has not been banned for commercial uses, the EPA has requested feedback on limiting use to workers who are trained and certified. The EPA did not take any action against n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), another chemical sometimes found in paint strippers that the agency had previously considered banning.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.