The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has banned consumer use of methylene chloride, a paint stripper linked to cancer, while allowing certain commercial uses with strict worker protections.
Matthew Daly reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The EPA is banning consumer use of methylene chloride due to its association with liver and lung cancer, and nervous, immune, and reproductive system damage.
- Certain critical commercial uses in industrial settings will continue, including manufacturing refrigerants and electric vehicle batteries.
- Despite opposition from the chemical industry, the EPA maintains that the rule will protect public health by phasing out consumer use within a year.
Key quote:
“Exposure to methylene chloride has devastated families across this country for too long, including some who saw loved ones go to work and never come home.”
— Michael Regan, EPA administrator
Why this matters:
This rule aims to protect public health by restricting a hazardous chemical that has caused serious harm to workers and consumers. Read more: For thousands of Americans unhealthy chemical exposures at work are a needless reality.
