EPA Proposes Chemical Ban While SAICM Advances Safe Chemicals Management
The EPA has taken a significant step by proposing a chemical ban. Simultaneously, SAICM's efforts lead the way in advancing safe chemical management globally.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a US agency protecting the environment and public health through regulations and enforcement, has proposed a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a solvent in adhesives, paint, and coating products known to cause serious health risks and even death.
"The science on methylene chloride is clear, exposure can lead to severe health impacts and even death, a reality for far too many families who have lost loved ones due to acute poisoning," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan in a recent statement.
The EPA has reported at least 85 deaths since 1980 due to acute exposure to the "dangerous chemical," including cases where individuals were trained and equipped with personal protective equipment. As a result, the agency proposes banning most methylene chloride uses and implementing stricter workplace controls to reduce exposure in other scenarios.
"This historic proposed ban demonstrates significant progress in our work to implement new chemical safety protections and take long-overdue actions to protect public health better," added Regan.
Banned Yet Still Prevalent
Methylene chloride's use in consumer paint removal products was banned by the EPA in 2019; however, the chemical can still be found in commercial and industrial settings, and some consumer products such as aerosol degreasers, brush cleaners for paints and coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
This colourless and volatile neurotoxic liquid has been linked to eye, skin, liver, and heart problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can cause dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, and numbness or tingling in the limbs. Furthermore, the chemical has been associated with certain types of cancer.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the proposed ban would phase out the manufacturing, processing, and distribution for all consumer, industrial, and commercial uses within 15 months. There are similarly priced and effective alternatives available, the agency stated.
The EPA's proposal to ban most uses of methylene chloride would include a workplace chemical protection program in scenarios where the chemical's use would not be banned. The program would enforce "strict exposure limits to better protect workers" and reduce the risk of acute poisoning.
However, some agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Aviation Administration would still be permitted to use the chemical, despite the proposed ban in most other cases.
In an increasingly interconnected world where the safety of building products remains a crucial concern, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and its partners are also at the forefront of addressing this issue. A recently published document on the SAICM Knowledge website recommends 11 proven alternatives to methylene chloride.
Recommended Alternatives
Titled “Alternatives to Methylene Chloride in Paint and Varnish Strippers: Availability of Safer Alternatives & Requirements for Meeting Stage 1 of the California Safer Consumer Products Regulations”, the document identifies less hazardous alternatives to methylene chloride in
formulated paint stripper products.
The alternatives include, among others, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, caustic soda, dimethyl sulfoxide, dioxolane, estasol, and dimethyl succinate.
In addition to these alternatives likely being considered in actual/future Stage 1 submissions
in California, the document also identified challenges and needs confronting compliance with the alternatives analysis process under the California Safer Consumer Products regulation.
Ultimately, this analysis models the perspective of a manufacturer of a methylene chloride-based paint stripper for consumers that seeks compliance with the California Safer Consumer Products regulations. The category of paint strippers subject to these alternatives analysis includes consumer and professional uses.
Action by Chemicals Safety Partnership
SAICM, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Global Environment Facility, aims to phase out hazardous substances in building products worldwide. Their goal is to reduce the negative impact of these chemicals on human health and the environment through voluntary actions and cooperative risk reduction.
To this end, SAICM has identified "Emerging Policy Issues" (EPIs) that require immediate attention. One notable initiative under the GEF-funded project “Global Best Practices on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues of Concern under SAICM” focuses on two critical EPIs: Lead in Paint and Chemicals in Products.
These issues present significant environmental and health challenges that demand urgent attention. The project strongly emphasises knowledge management, information exchange, and strategic planning to ensure a coordinated effort in addressing all EPIs effectively.
More Progress and Achievements
Under Component 1 of the GEF SAICM project, substantial progress has been made in reducing the use of lead in paint. Notably, 15 countries have adopted legislation to establish legal limits for lead in paint, safeguarding the health of their populations. Additionally, 14 small and medium-sized paint manufacturers have successfully completed paint reformulation demonstration projects, providing lead-free alternatives that meet safety standards.
Component 2 of the project focuses on developing tools for governments and stakeholders in the value chain to manage chemicals of concern in products. To that end, 40 critical actors from the value chain and government sectors have received specialised training on utilising new tools and guidance. This capacity-building effort aims to ensure effective management of harmful chemicals throughout the entire lifecycle of building products.
The GEF SAICM project, in collaboration with SAICM's broader initiatives, is making significant strides towards safer building products. By addressing EPIs such as lead in paint and chemicals in products, SAICM is actively working towards minimising risks to human health and the environment.
Through knowledge sharing, strategic planning, and cooperative actions, SAICM plays a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable and healthier future for all.
REFERENCES
EPA Proposes Ban on All Consumer, Most Industrial and Commercial Uses of Methylene Chloride to Protect Public Health:
EPA proposes to ban most uses of methylene chloride, a toxic solvent:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/04/20/epa-rule-toxic-methylene-chloride/
Methylene Chloride:
Methylene Chloride | NIOSH | CDC
World Health Organization:
United Nations Environment Programme:
Global Environment Facility: