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| ©iStockphoto.com/Skip ODonnell |
In a recent
release of final risk assessments for specific uses of three chemicals
commonly found in household products, EPA labeled dichloromethane (DCM) as potentially dangerous. The other two chemicals did not raise any concerns.
DCM is found in some paint thinner products, and EPA estimates that
more than 230,000 workers nationally could be at risk.
“While EPA continues to support much needed
reform of this country’s chemicals management legislation, we are also using
our current authorities as effectively as we can, which includes conducting
risk assessments on chemicals to determine if they are safe for the public,”
says Jim Jones, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention. “Our review indicates that the use of DCM in paint
strippers pose risks to human health, so EPA is beginning an effort to
determine options for addressing the concern.”
Per EPA’s announcement, the agency is considering an array of
potential actions to mitigate the potential impact of DCM. The agency anticipates
conducting a workshop this fall. For now, recommended actions include increased
scrutiny of paint thinner labels and using products containing DCM while
wearing PPE and in well-ventilated conditions or outside if alternative
products are not an option.