The Environmental Protection Agency has published a list of 10 toxic threats it will evaluate first under law passed last year intended to crack down on hazardous chemicals. They are among 90 chemicals identified by the agency that may harm children, damage nerve tissue, cause cancer, contaminate the environment, accumulate in the bloodstream or show up in consumer products. As the review begins, industry and other interest groups are urging the E.P.A. to limit any restrictions.
2 on the list we find of great concern because of the high concentration levels in readily accessible consumer products with poor warning and caution labels. Some products containing these chemicals actually claim to be safe alternatives giving the consumer a false sense of safety when using them! So what chemicals have us cringing to see industry push back?
Methylene Chloride
Where you may find it:Methylene chloride is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and polyurethane foam manufacturing. It is also found in paint strippers, adhesives, metal cleaners, and aerosol solvents. Many products are sold at home improvement stores!
How it could hurt you: Exposure can harmthe central nervous system, with effects including dizziness, incapacitation and, sometimes, death. It is also linked to liver toxicity, liver cancer and lung cancer. It has been associated with dozens of deaths.The E.P.A., just days before the end of the Obama administration, proposed banning its useas a paint stripper because of these hazards.
Industry Intervention: W.M. Barr & Company, the largest national manufacturer of solvents, removers, fuels and cleaning products, asked the E.P.A. to withdrawits proposed rule to ban methylene chloride in paint stripper, arguing that its products do "not present an unreasonable risk." However paint strippers containing methylene chloride can have a concentration of up to 99% pure chemical and purchased off the shelf of most home improvement stores with little or no required safety knowledge provided and minimal hazard warnings on label. People are dying from this stuff!
N-Methylpyrrolidone
Where you may find it:N-Methylpyrrolidone is a solvent used in petrochemical processing. It can be found in plastics, paint, inks, enamels, electronics, industrial and consumer cleaning products, paint strippers, andarts and crafts materials
How it could hurt you:It may pose a particular risk to women who are pregnant or of childbearing age, according to studies on animals that suggestdelayed fetal development.
Industry intervention: The NMP Manufacturers Group argues that the chemical "is used in many industry sectors, in varied processes," and that it would be "unworkable for industry and unworkable for EPA" to evaluate them all. However paint stripping companies are using this chemical as a solvent in there products most commonly soy and citrus based strippers marketing them as a safe alternative to methylene chloride giving the consumer a false sense of safety when using the product.
For the full list of E.P.A.'s Top 10 Toxic Threats, and Industry's Pushback follow this link:
If you are looking to use a paint stripping product and need a safe alternative that truly is as safe as it seems we recommend EZ Strip.
Traditional paint strippers initiate a chemical reaction that reacts with the coating being stripped releasing dangerous toxic off gasses and fumes into the air. The products and the residue are toxic should not be disposed of in household waste, flushed into water ways, or the sewer system including septic tanks. Impervious chemical resistant gloves and respirators must be worn to prevent toxic exposure.
EZ Strip products react totally different by breaking the physical bond between the coating and the substrate actually lifting the coating from the surface. When paint is removed for example with EZ Strip, it is still paint as no chemical change has taken place. EZ Strip products are safe to use, completely free of toxic fumes, and skin safe. (Gloves recommended for prolonged use, always wear eye protection for any removal project.)
Unlike traditional strippers EZ Strip is neutralized with just water and residue can safely be flushed or disposed of in household trash saving money on trips to disposal sites. SAFETY WARNING! Lead Paint? Asbestos? If you're not sure test it before you remove it!
Visit our website http://www.ezstrip.ca/ for further details.
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