The REAL Story Behind "Safe" Paint Strippers

VOC stands for volatile organic compound -- any of several chemicals found in numerous consumer products, from gasoline and glue to correction fluid and colored markers. Even cosmetics, mothballs, air fresheners and household cleaning supplies contain VOCs.

Because they're volatile, these compounds vaporize and emit gasses. Paint strippers, for example, can emit high levels of VOCs into the air during use causing serious health problems and environmental impact.

What Are the Risks Associated with VOC's?

VOCs are linked to a range of health problems, including some very serious diseases. Methylene Chloride once a common chemical found in paint strippers, is one of several VOCs that's known to cause cancer ... not suspected -- known, beyond any doubt. Other health effects besides cancer include kidney damage, liver damage, damage to the central nervous system (including the brain), as well as complaints like headaches and eye, throat, nose irritation, and death.

The health effects of VOCs vary from source to source, and from person to person. Professional painters have been found to have a range of serious health problems, especially liver and kidney damage. People with pre-existing conditions, pregnant and nursing women, small children and other sensitive people are at particular risk.

Even an occasional paint stripping project can increase your risk of physical problems. Levels of VOCs inside your house can increase up to 1,000 times after doing something like paint stripping. Paint stripping products, in fact, are the second-largest source of VOCs after cars. The VOCs in paint strippers can seriously affect the indoor air quality of even a well-ventilated home or work shop.

Avoiding VOCs and Considering "Green" Paint Strippers 

Lots of manufacturers are now claiming to make Eco-friendly paint strippers, but some of these claims are dubious and may be just greenwashing. Greenwashing is the practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology or company practice. Greenwashing can make a company appear to be more environmentally friendly than it really is.

First of all, always follow all the manufacturer's recommendations regarding safe use. Use only in well-ventilated areas, and keep stripping products away from children and pets. And always look for paint strippers that have low-VOCs.

What is N-Methylpyrrolidone?

N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), is an organic compound found in some "safer paint strippers" often citrus or soy based stripping products. The problem is they are safer than Methylene Chloride but that is where it ends as they can still pose high health risks when used and because they pose as safe, people do not use the proper safety precautions required when using them.You can be exposed to NMP through inhalation and skin contact with liquid or vapor forms of NMP. It is considered a reproductive toxin and has a high organ toxicity rating.

What is Sodium hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound that can be found in paint removal products. It has a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures. Removal products with this chemical can cause severe chemical burns and pose high environmental impact if disposed of improperly in drains and waterways.

What is Acetone?

Acetone is an organic compound and has become one of the most popular chemicals in safer paint removal products however it can still pose some serious hazards to your health and the environment. Acetone is highly flammable and has a high aquatic toxin rating. It is a confirmed animal carcinogen and possibly carcinogenic to humans. Overexposure can cause kidney, ureter, and bladder tumors.

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.


Truly safe alternatives for paint and coating removal are available. One of the safest chemicals in removal products proving to be an effective substitute in removers is dibasic esters. They are non-flammable, low VOC, readily biodegradable, non-corrosive, and have a mild, fruity odor. One company that is utilizing these innovative chemicals with world patented technology is EZ Strip.


Visit EZstrip.ca today for safe alternatives to paint removal with no greenwashing needed! Your health and the environment is worth it!