California Begins Steps to Potentially Ban the Use of Methylene Chloride in Paint Strippers

Recently, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) proposed listing paint or varnish strippers containing methylene chloride as a Priority Product. A Priority Product is a consumer product identified by DTSC that contains one or more chemicals, known as Candidate Chemicals, which have a hazard trait that can harm people or the environment.

According to the agency, “DTSC is taking this action to protect workers and consumers from exposure to methylene chloride that could occur during normal use of paint or varnish strippers. Inhalation and dermal exposure to methylene chloride is associated with adverse health effects, including cancer of the brain, liver, and biliary tract, and central nervous system depression, intoxication and unconsciousness. Numerous deaths have been reported in workers and consumers who were exposed to methylene chloride during use of paint or varnish strippers.”

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. It is not just found in consumer products, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) states that the chemical compound is used in various industrial processes in different industries that include paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and metal cleaning and degreasing.

“At high enough concentrations, inhalation exposure to methylene chloride can stop a person’s breathing,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Lower level exposures can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches and nausea in addition to eye, nose and throat irritation. At LA Testing, we offer methylene chloride testing services to identify environmental and occupational exposure risks to protect the health and safety of families and workers.”

LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video about methylene chloride and occupational exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/frBbo-5MMNM.

To learn more about methylene chloride testing or other air quality, occupational, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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