Paint strippers containing methylene chloride and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) have been cited as toxic by medical experts and consumer safety groups. According to the national environmental health organization Safer Chemicals at least 64 people have died from acute exposure to methylene chloride since 1980.
The EPA's ban on the use of methylene chloride in consumer paint removal products announced Friday only pertains to the sale of methylene chloride to consumers, and does not affect use in the workplace. This new ban also does not include NMP, an alternative for methylene chloride that medical experts say can cause birth defects and reproductive issues.
The ban will cover the manufacture, import, processing and distribution of methylene chloride at a consumer level. A prohibition on retail sales – including for e-commerce and distribution establishments that serve consumers – will take effect within 180 days of the rule’s effective date.
What does this mean for retailers and consumers?
Numerous retailers promised to stop the sale of paint strippers containing methylene chloride even before this week's announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of a ban on sales to consumers. The following companies have already announced commitments to stop selling products that contained methylene chloride and NMP.
Menards
Ace Hardware – phasing out by end of July, but according to Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, some local stores are independently operated and may carry paint strippers from other distributors.
Amazon – effective March.
Home Hardware – as of this year.
True Value
Walmart – as of February.
Lowes – planned to be phased out by the end of 2018.
Sherwin-Williams – planned to be removed by the end of 2018.
Home Depot – planned to be phased out by the end of 2018.
Canadian Tire – planned to be phased out by the end of 2018.
AutoZone – planned to be discontinued in 2018, according to Bloomberg.
PPG – planned to be discontinued in 2018, according to Bloomberg.
Kelly-Moore Paint Co. – planned to be discontinued in 2018, according to Bloomberg.
Replacement products and "safer" alternative strippers have flooded the market leaving no lack of choices for consumers. Lots of manufacturers are now claiming to make Eco-friendly paint strippers, but some of these claims are dubious and may be just greenwashing. Unsubstantiated or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product are common.
What Can You Do?
Check the Safety Data Sheet on any paint stripper you plan to use before you buy. Many of so-called Eco-friendly paint strippers still have plenty of toxic chemicals in them, like solvents, binders, etc. In any case, follow safety recommendations, dispose of them appropriately and use common sense. If you are concerned because you have small children or chemical sensitivities, consider a paint stripper with tested and proven science to back it up.Visit EZstrip.ca today for safe alternatives to paint removal with no greenwashing needed! Your health is worth it! When it comes to paint stripping knowledge is power always know exactly what your working with from the removal product to the material you are stripping. Using some basic safety precautions that start at the time of purchasing the stripper and finish with the proper disposal of removed materials will ensure your safety and low environmental impact.
