Regulators in California have begun making moves to potentially restrict or ban methylene chloride in paint strippers.
According to Chemical Watch, the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has announced a proposal that would label paint strippers with the chemical a “priority product,” and require that manufacturers would have to submit an analysis of whether or not safer alternatives exist.
The DTSC has stated that its recent proposal could set in motion a series of regulations that would more tightly restrict the chemical.
The Environmental Protection Agency has already proposed banning the chemical altogether, saying that at least 17 workers have died from exposure to the chemical in the last 15 years.
CBS News reported earlier this month that the Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance opposes any proposed ban and believes that products containing methylene chloride are safe when used with proper ventilation. Instead, the group is lobbying for a label suggesting that the products with the chemical are not used for bathtub refinishing.
Meanwhile, the EPA is also analyzing methylene chloride as part of its first 10 chemicals given priority review under new chemical safety laws passed next year.
The use of methylene chloride in paint strippers is already banned in the EU.
The DTSC is accepting public comments on the measure until Jan. 18.
