DIY Health Risk Alert: Know What's In Your Removal Products!

With the COVID health crisis keeping people stuck in their homes DIY projects have been at an all time high to help pass the time. Sure DIY projects around the house keep you home and safe from COVID but your health could still be at risk. Exposure to harsh removal chemicals is one of the number one health risks DIY enthusiasts face. We have all heard about the hazards of methylene chloride in paint strippers but there is another chemical still not regulated and found in a lot of removal products you could have in your home. 

NMP, also known as N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone, is a chemical that is widely utilized during the manufacturing and production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, and petroleum products. The chemical is also utilized in various consumer products including adhesives, sealants, paints, paint and coating removers, adhesive removers, and degreasers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the following uses that present an unreasonable risk to consumers include the use of NMP for paints, coatings, and paint and coating removers, and the use of NMP for cleaning and furniture care products, such as wood cleaners. The EPA evaluated consumers for potential risks from inhalation, dermal, and vapor through skin exposures and determined that there was an unreasonable risk of adverse effects to consumers, including fetal mortality.

A group of leading public health organizations, including the Learning Disabilities Association of America and Autism Society, publicly called on retailers to protect kids from toxic paint strippers. The groups warned that parents’ exposure to the toxic solvent NMP has been linked to a host of health problems for their children, including low birth weight, impaired motor and verbal skills, attention deficit hyperactivity behaviors, increased risk of brain tumors, miscarriage, and fetal death.

The groups wrote:

We are especially concerned with exposures to pregnant women and children from  NMP in paint strippers. During the prenatal period, the developing brain is extremely vulnerable to harm from even low-level exposures to toxic chemicals. Scientific evidence from multiple studies shows that both men’s and women’s exposures to the toxic solvent NMP were linked to lasting problems with brain    development, cognition and behavior in their children…              

“DIY shouldn’t spell danger,” said Mike Schade, Mind the Store Campaign Director for Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families. The Mind the Store campaign first sent letters calling on retailers to stop selling these dangerous products in February of 2017. Now retailers all across North America are voluntarily banning products containing NMP in the interest of public safety and health. Keep in mind the bans are voluntary and can still be found in some stores. You could also already have products containing NMP in your home and not realize it.

Safer options are available so you can still DIY without the risks. You can find safe alternatives for chemical coating removal with Max Strip. Eco-friendly Max Strip formulas are gentle on skin and completely free of toxic fumes. Max Strip’s advanced water based technology surpasses competitors with professional performance and low environmental impact. 100% water soluble and biodegradable formulas. All product components are sustainably resourced and manufactured with local ingredients. Follow this link for more info and where to buy Max Strip strippers and removers today MAXstrip.com