Methylene Chloride in Coating Strippers Banned: EPA Proposal

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed Jan. 12 to ban the solvent methylene chloride in most types of paint and other coating strippers.

The agency’s proposed rule offers two options to control another solvent called n-methylpyrrolidone, or NMP. The agency could also ban use of that solvent in stripping agents or require companies to take specific steps to protect their workers.

The solvent-restriction rules would protect the public and workers, the EPA said in an e-mailed announcement.

Methylene chloride can cause a range of adverse health effects, including harm to the central nervous system, liver toxicity and cancer, ...