Back in 2013, we posted a blog on the hazards of using chemical strippers containing methylene chloride, and reported on deaths associated with this chemical in Oregon and California. We also provided Web information from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Oregon FACE and others on how to prevent adverse effects from use of these products.

Today, we’d like to provide new information (see below) from the CDPH on less toxic paint stripping products that are available. These safer alternatives are not without hazard, so reasonable precautions, such as the use of goggles and chemical resistant gloves, must still be taken to prevent adverse health effects.

Chemical paint strippers represent a potential workplace or home hazard, but there are many other chemical products on the market that can be harmful if used in a hazardous manner. When considering the use of chemical products, read the label, observe the warnings, protect yourself, and if possible, choose the safest alternatives when available.

For information on safer alternative paint stripper products:

California Department of Public Health
Paint Stripping Products: Safer, Less Toxic Choices
(http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohb/Documents/PaintRemovalPoster.pdf)
Minimum Personal Protective Equipment Required for Paint Stripping
(http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohb/Documents/PPEChart.pdf)
Toxic Paint Removers: Safer Choices
(http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ohb/Pages/methylenechloride.aspx)

For general information on choosing greener chemical products:

CROETweb.com
Green Chemistry/Safer Alternatives
(http://www.croetweb.com/links.cfm?subtopicID=851)