Methylene Chloride in Paint Strippers: An Unacceptable Risk

Background and objectives:

Although the Consumer Products Safety Commission requires labeling (1987) and Federal OSHA has adopted a vertical standard (1997), methylene chloride (MeCl) use in paint strippers continues to produce serious intoxications – including deaths among both workers and consumers.  We discuss our experience with the clinical toxicology of MeCl, as well our work to promote safer substitute products.

Methods:

We investigated three serious intoxications (including two deaths) occurring in two separate workplace incidents during 2010-2011.  Medical and coroner’s records were reviewed, and field investigations carried out by FACE (Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation) personnel.  We subsequently surveyed stores for the adequacy of safety recommendations provided by sales personnel, and generated point-of-sale educational materials to enable users to identify safer substitute products.

Results:

One fatality each occurred after MeCl exposure at a paint manufacturing plant and during refinishing of a baptismal font at a church.  In the first incident, a co-worker was also rendered unconscious and required ventilatory support before achieving full recovery.  Blood MeCl and carboxyhemoglobin levels confirmed the role of MeCl in these outcomes.  Modeled MeCl air concentrations exceeded IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) levels in both incidents.  Sales personnel, in general, did not appreciate MeCl’s extreme volatility, toxicity, and ability to permeate gloves and respirators.

Conclusions:

MeCl-containing paint strippers cannot be safely used in indoor spaces without extraordinary measures (mechanical ventilation, specialized gloves, and supplied-air respirators).  Safer and effective substitute products are commercially available and their use should be promoted by public health practitioners.