Chlorinated solvents industry regrets most widely used solvent in paint stripping will be partly banned
The European chlorinated solvent industry, represented by ECSA, regrets the EU Parliament backs the ban on dichloromethane in paint stripping. This ban will not necessarily enhance the safer use of paint strippers because the alternative substances have not yet been submitted to an adequate risk assessment. Here, the legislators missed an opportunity to benefit from the recent REACH legislation on the risks of chemicals.
Tthe European Parliament confirmed an agreement with the Council to ban the substance dichloromethane from use in paint strippers. It foresees a blanket EU-wide ban for consumer use, and also a ban for professional use that allows Member States to derogate under certain conditions. The obligatory protection requirements for industrial use have been strengthened.
The European Chlorinated Solvent Association (ECSA) is disappointed by this decision and warns the ban will not necessarily reduce health risks for users. There is compelling evidence that the most popular alternative chemicals and methods of paint removal present a greater risk than DCM paint strippers.
Unfortunately the actual risks with DCM paint strippers and alternatives have not been quantified as there has not yet been an adequate risk assessment. In fact, here an opportunity was missed to apply the chemical regulation REACH, which would have provided the comparative risk assessments that are needed in order to make well informed decisions to enable risk reduction.
As the alternative chemical paint strippers to DCM are demonstrably less effective we are also concerned that the use of blow torches and heat guns for paint removal will increase dramatically. This would result in a major increase in serious accidents.
Nevertheless, the European Chlorinated Solvent Association takes the decision adopted by the European Parliament into full consideration and will support a correct implementation in the Member States.
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