EU bans dichloromethane in paint-strippers

14 January 2009 14:29  [Source: ICIS news]

PARIS (ICIS news)--The chemical compound dichloromethane (DCM) will be banned in paint-strippers after the European Parliament backed a European Council agreement on Tuesday.

The chemical will be banned immediately for use by consumers and by professionals operating outside industrial premises.

However, European Union (EU) member states can allow its use for "certain activities by specifically trained professionals under certain strict conditions", said the Parliament.

Carl Schlyter, Green member of the European Parliament (MEP), welcomed the decision, saying the “chlorine-based substance is carcinogenic, harmful to the brain and nervous system and extremely volatile”.

According to the European Commission, between 1989 and 2007 DCM was responsible for 18 fatalities (9 for industrial use, 8 for professional use, 1 for consumer use) and 56 non-fatal injuries in the EU.

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By: Philippa Jones
+44 20 8652 3214

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