Methylene Chloride Carries Unreasonable Risks

Methylene chloride, one of the most dangerous solvents ever developed, is the subject of a recently released EPA draft risk evaluation. Here are just a few summary points discovered:

• Four out of 16 recycling and disposal facilities had releases of methylene chloride to surface water that indicate risk to aquatic organisms. 
• For acute inhalation exposures there are medium and high intensity risks for consumers and bystanders.
• Acute toxic effects (i.e., central nervous system (CNS) depression) may persist for hours after exposure because of continued metabolism of methylene chloride released from tissue storage.
• Methylene chloride has been detected in human breast milk thus, infants may be exposed to methylene chloride through maternal exposures. 

The draft identifies 70 uses of methylene chloride, both commercial and consumer, and assigns a risk to each. For the large majority of identified uses, the Agency indicated an unreasonable risk.

Evaluation Process

The draft risk evaluation is not a final agency action. Instead, it represents the EPA’s initial review of the scientific data on methylene chloride and will be peer reviewed by independent scientific experts as well as open to at least one round of public comment.

The EPA says it will use feedback received from the peer review and public comments to inform the final risk evaluation and will provide updates on this process. If the EPA’s final risk evaluation finds there are adverse health risks associated with methylene chloride under any of the specific conditions of use, the Agency will propose actions to address those risks. Actions could include proposing regulations to prohibit or limit the manufacture, processing, distribution in the marketplace, use, or disposal of the chemical.

Ban on Consumer Strippers

In March 2019, the EPA issued a final rule that banned the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of methylene chloride for consumer paint and coating removal. The prohibition included the distribution of methylene chloride to and by retailers.

The EPA was under considerable pressure to ban the use of methylene chloride in paint and coating stripper products given an alarming number of deaths resulting from noncommercial applications as well as commercial uses.  The rule specifies: “After November 22, 2019, all persons are prohibited from manufacturing, processing and distributing in commerce methylene chloride for consumer paint and coating removal.”

The EPA will accept comments on the methylene chloride draft risk evaluation until December 30, 2019.

Safe Alternative Strippers

With the ban on consumer strippers quickly approaching retailers have already preemptively removed methylene chloride based strippers from their shelves. The number one recommended safe alternative for paint and coating stripping is Max Strip. Max Strip removal products beat the competition in price, performance and most importantly innovative formulations.

Max Strip formulas are water based and 100% biodegradable. They do not absorb through the skin and have a low VOC rating with no need to ventilate during indoor use. Here are few benefits to using Max Strip:

• Environmentally stable
• Gentile on your skin
• Easy to use, and it works
• Responsibly sourced 
• No ventilation needed
• Cleans up with just water
• Safe to dispose in regular household garbage
• Safe to use on most substrates
• Competitively priced 

For more info on Max Strip products, detailed removal info, and where to buy visit MAXstrip.com today!

Health Department Recommendations For Disposing Of Paint Thinners

Health officials are advising to safely dispose of certain paint and coating removers (paint strippers) determined to be too dangerous to use. That’s because some of these products contain Methylene Chloride.

Methylene Chloride can affect the nervous system and increase a person's chance of getting cancer, and can damage the liver, kidney and heart. Exposure to a buildup of Methylene Chloride fumes in a small space can be fatal. People who have concerns about past exposure should discuss this with their health care provider.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule in March to prohibit the manufacturer, importation, processing and distribution of Methylene Chloride in all paint removers for consumer use. The restrictions go into effect on November 22. U.S. and Canadian retailers have already taken a stance against this health concern for consumers by banning paint strippers containing Methylene Chloride from their shelves.

Anyone who has paint and coating removers that contain Methylene Chloride, is urged to contact their local solid waste district for when and where hazardous waste collection is available. Methylene Chloride is typically listed as an ingredient on the container. Do not dispose of these products in your drain, trash or anywhere in the environment.

Businesses and consumers that use Methylene Chloride products can replace these products with safer yet still effective and environmentally friendly removal products now available in the paint stripping market.

Max Strip is our top recommended brand for safe paint and coating removal products. Max Strip removal formulas provide low VOC skin safe strippers that are water soluble and biodegradable in the environment. Visit MAXstrip.com today for purchase options, detailed removal instructions, and great removal project ideas!

The Safer Option For Paint Stripping

Even with legislation banning consumer use of chemicals like Methylene Chloride and retailers taking a stand against reproductive toxins in paint strippers like N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) in the United States there are still a lot of chemicals out there in paint removal products that can cause harm to your health and the environment. Looking for safer options to strip paint and varnish for furniture refinishing and home improvements can seem a little daunting but there are safer options out there.

SAFE ALTERNATIVE STRIPPING CHEMICALS

Dimethyl Esters (also known as Dibasic Esters, DBE, and DMEs*) DBEs are readily biodegradable, low odor, low VOC strippers and are excellent solvent substitutes in many cleaning and stripping applications. Commercial acceptance and use of dimethyl esters and dibasic esters continues to increase due to their positive economic, environmental and performance characteristics. Dimethyl esters and dibasic esters can be used to replace more conventional and increasingly regulated removal materials and industrial solvents. For more info on safer paint removal options that contain DBEs like MAX Strip visit https://maxstrip.com/

With a preferable environmental, health and safety profile DBEs are considered a “greener” or environmentally preferable and safer product due to several safety and regulatory attributes, including:

Environmental 

Readily Biodegradable

Not included CERCLA/SARA hazardous substances list

Not considered a hazardous waste under RCRA 

Not included on the CWA list of hazardous substances

Used in EPA Safer Choice formulations

Health

Low VOC

Not considered a carcinogen or reproductive toxin

Low levels of toxicity

Low Odor

Main components not subject to Proposition 65

Not skin absorbent

Safety

Non Flammable

Non Corrosive

Non Hazardous DOT

High Flash Point

High Boiling Point

Slowly Evaporation Rate

Different paint strippers contain different chemicals, and the potential hazards vary for each product. Its important to remember every product has specific safety precautions. Here are some general safety steps to keep in mind when using any paint stripper. If you use paint strippers frequently, it is particularly important that you follow these steps:

1. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions on the label. Do not assume you already know how to use the product. The hazards may be different from one product to another, and the ingredients in individual products often change over time. The label tells you what actions you should take to reduce hazards and the first aid measures to use.

2. Wear chemical-resistant gloves appropriate to the type of stripper being used. Examples include gloves made with butyl rubber or neoprene. See the manufacturer's instructions or safety data sheet (SDS) on your product to determine the appropriate glove type. Also, ask your local store what type of gloves to choose for your product. Common kitchen latex gloves do not provide enough protection for most paint strippers. Replace gloves often to decrease dermal exposure risk.

3. Avoid getting the paint stripper on your skin or in your eyes. Wear protective clothing and goggles appropriate for the project and type of stripper.

4. Only use paint strippers outdoors never indoors unless stripper states it is safe to do so. If you must use them indoors, cross-ventilate by opening all doors and windows. Never use any paint stripper in a poorly ventilated area. Make sure there is fresh air movement throughout the room. Ventilate the area before, during, and after applying it and when stripping. 

5. Do not use flammable paint strippers near any source of sparks, flame, or high heat. Do not work near gas stoves, kerosene heaters, gas or electric water heaters, gas or electric clothes dryers, gas or electric furnaces, gas or electric space heaters, sanders, buffers, or other electric hand tools. Open flames, cigarettes, matches, lighters, pilot lights, or electric sparks can cause the chemicals in paint strippers to suddenly catch fire.

7. Only strip paint with chemicals that are marketed as paint strippers. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or kerosene to strip paint.

8. Dispose of paint strippers according to the instructions on the label. If you have any questions, ask your local environmental sanitation department about proper disposal. 

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.

10 Things You Might Not Realize Have VOCs

What you don’t know can hurt you—the air inside your home may contain concentrations of potentially hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) up to 10 times greater than the air outside, and many of these gases can cause short- or long-term health problems.

Manufactured or Pressboard Furniture

Manufactured furniture, also known as ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, contains formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. Formaldehyde acts as a preservative for pressed wood, and therefore is widely used in desks, bookshelves, hutches, beds and cabinetry, as well as in building materials including plywood, OSB, MDF and particle board. One way to reduce your exposure is to purchase solid wood furniture. Short on cash? Look for used solid furniture with a damaged coating and refinish! Furniture refinishing has never been safer when you use low VOC skin safe removal products try this https://maxstrip.com/how-to-remove/varnish/

Mothballs

That smell that drives the moths away is due to dichlorobenzene, a VOC commonly found in moth repellents and other deodorizers. For a natural alternative, use cedar chips or lavender sachets.

Nail Polish Remover

The active ingredient in nail polish remover is the VOC acetone, which also is found in some types of furniture polish. To minimize exposure, look for acetone-free nail polish remover and water-based substitutes in furniture polish. A great alternative to nail polish remover that can safely clean up drips and spills but also remove it from your nails try this https://maxstrip.com/how-to-remove/nail-polish/ 

Dry Cleaning

The process of dry cleaning uses a VOC called perchloroethylene, which accounts for the strong chemical odor that comes from freshly-cleaned clothing, draperies, and upholstery. Make sure to air out dry-cleaned products thoroughly before storing, wearing, or using them.

Paint

Freshening up your walls shouldn’t make you sick…but using paint that contains toluene can give you itchy eyes, nose and a sore throat. Whenever possible, choose paint without toluene. You should also always make sure to open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate during any painting project. For safe alternatives when cleaning up your paint messes try this https://maxstrip.com/how-to-remove/paint-spills-overspray/

Carpeting

Carpeting, padding, and the adhesives used in installation may contain several types of VOCs, including dichloroethane, ethyl benzene, styrene, toluene, trichloroethane, and xylenes. The EPA recommends that carpet be thoroughly aired out before installation, and that all of the windows remain open during installation and for 48 to 72 hours after installation. Regular cleaning also will help reduce VOCs.

Aerosol Spray Paints

If you use spray paint to spruce up your home décor or work on a craft project, you may risk exposure to a VOC called methylene chloride, which can cause symptoms similar to exposure to carbon monoxide. Use these products outdoors whenever possible; if you must spray paint indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated. For safe alternatives when cleaning up your paint messes try this https://maxstrip.com/how-to-remove/paint-spills-overspray/

Scented Candles

Many people enjoy the cozy ambiance of a sweet-smelling candle burning on the table, but some scented candles contain VOCs, including butanal, benzene, alpha-pinene, and limonene, which reacts with ozone in the air to form formaldehyde. And, in spite of being banned by the EPA, some candles still have lead wicks, which release lead into the air. Look for candles made of beeswax or soy, with 100% cotton wicks.

Cleansers & Disinfectants

Many common household cleansers and disinfectants contain multiple VOCs, including ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butoxyethanol, isopropyl alcohol, glutaraldehyde, ortho-phtaldehyde, chloramines, ethylene oxide, quaternary ammonium compounds, limonene, and pinene. Aerosol cleansers and disinfectants release the highest levels of VOCs. Switch to natural cleansers, make your own using baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt and Castile soap or try this https://maxstrip.com/how-to-remove/dirt-grime/ 

Cigarettes

Smoking can put you at risk from a complex cocktail of hazardous VOCs, including benzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, toluene, and xylenes. Vaping is no safer, as e-cigarettes have been found to contain the same harmful VOCs. Household exposure to second hand smoke can have a deleterious effect on children and other family members…giving smokers one more reason to kick the habit.

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The Evolution Of Consumer Chemicals

The evolution of chemicals over the last 50 years has completely changed our way of life. The products we use are in constant flux improving performance, reducing health risks, and eliminating environmental impacts are some of the positive drives for product development.

     Unfortunately not all companies are following suite. In fact some products you can buy off the shelf have not changed at all in the last 50 years and pose serious health and environmental risks if not handled and disposed of properly. From a contractors perspective there is a fine line between risk and cost when it comes to chemicals. One of the most hazardous products on the market today still available for unregulated over the counter purchase is chemical paint strippers. Some countries have taken the first step to better regulate the chemicals that can be used in these products like the UK and more recently the USA. Banning Methylene Chloride and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) for consumer use was a great first step! Unfortunately paint strippers can contain a lot of other chemicals like Toluene, Acetone, Methyl Acetate, Sodium hydroxide, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethylformamide, Petroleum Distillates and other hazardous chemicals that can pose serious health risks and remain unregulated and unchecked. These chemicals can cause a variety of health issues including severe skin burns, respiratory distress, reproductive organ toxicity, neurological damage, and in some cases even death.
 
     While some companies are still living in the dark ages others are paving the way to greener pastures. One chemical achievement that is not yet widely known is the creation of Dimethyl Esters (also known as Dibasic Esters and DMEs*). They are readily biodegradable, low odor, low VOC solvents used in a wide variety of industrial and specialty applications. Dibasic esters are excellent solvent substitutes in many cleaning and stripping applications. Commercial acceptance and use of dimethyl esters and dibasic esters continues to increase due to their positive economic, environmental and performance characteristics. To read more on the benefits of DMEs follow this link http://www.jrhessco.com/dimethyl-esters-a-versatile-alternative-solvent/

     One company taking this chemical evolution by storm is MAX Strip. Providing safer solutions to chemical stripping, cleaning, and developing new removal technologies that could change the renovation and restoration industry as we know it. Paint strippers that can be used in small spaces without the need of forced ventilation. All purpose cleaners tough enough to clean paint spills and grease yet gentile on your skin and free of harsh fumes. Visit the MAX Strip website today and see just how this company is changing the game on renovation and restoration! Not only are these products safer solutions for personal/customer health and the environment they don't brake the bank!

Hop on the new wave of removal technology with MAX Strip!