The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule regarding the utilization of the hazardous substance known as methylene chloride. This chemical is commonly found in paint products, brush cleaners, aerosol degreasers, and various other applications.
Methylene chloride, a chemical commonly used in adhesives, sealants, and industrial processes, has been associated with various types of cancer including liver, lung, breast, brain, and blood cancers. Furthermore, it poses a serious threat to the central nervous system and has been responsible for fatal liver damage.
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“In a statement, EPA Administrator Michael Regan expressed his concern over the long-standing devastation caused by exposure to methylene chloride, which has affected families across the country. Some heartbreaking incidents include individuals who went to work and never returned home.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken decisive action to put an end to unsafe practices involving methylene chloride. This final action includes the implementation of robust worker protections for the limited remaining industrial uses of this hazardous chemical. The goal is to ensure the safety of all individuals in our country, leaving no room for anyone to be exposed to the dangers posed by methylene chloride.
According to the EPA, methylene chloride has caused the deaths of at least 88 individuals through acute exposure since 1980. The majority of these individuals were involved in activities such as bathtub finishing and paint stripping. Surprisingly, some of these workers had received proper training and were equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment.
Wendy Hartley expressed her sorrow and shared the tragic story of her son, Kevin, who lost his life in 2017 due to methylene chloride exposure while refinishing a bathtub at his workplace. In a statement released by the EPA, Wendy Hartley also expressed her satisfaction with the EPA’s decision to take action and ban the use of methylene chloride as a commercial bathtub stripper. She believes that this crucial step will provide protection for workers who are vulnerable to such harmful chemicals.
In 2018, Home Depot made the decision to discontinue the sale of paint strippers that contained methylene chloride. This move followed the footsteps of several smaller home improvement stores, who had also taken action after learning about the hazardous nature of the chemical and other toxins associated with these products.
