The European Commission has proposed restrictions on the sale and use of paint strippers containing dichloromethane, a chemical which is toxic to the central nervous system.

 
Over the last 18 years, these paint strippers have been associated with a number of fatalities and accidents resulting from inadequate ventilation and the failure of users to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). In an effort to protect human health, the Commission has proposed to

 - ban the sale of these products to consumers, who are the least aware of their dangers and have the least access to the correct PPE

- ban the use of these products by professionals operating outside industrial premises

Reference

European Commission  2008  Partial ban for paint strippers containing dichloromethane proposed   Online, available at : http://europa.eu/rapid/pressreleaseaction  (viewed on 6.3.08)

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