Search

Update: EPA to Ban Methylene Chloride in Consumer Paint Removers

Posted on 3/18/2019 by Roger Marks

Update March 18, 2019: Last week, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a Final Rule to prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution of methylene chloride in all paint removers for consumer use.

See EPA's announcement here
See the pre-publication version of the Final Rule here


** 
Original text, as it appeared in Lion News on 01/20/19
Public health advocates have filed suit against US EPA over a stalled rulemaking to ban the use of methylene chloride (MCL), a common ingredient in paints and paint strippers.

The suit aims to compel EPA to finalize a rulemaking proposed in January 2017 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Section 6. Section 6 of TSCA authorizes EPA to ban or restrict the manufacture, use, processing, distribution in commerce, or disposal of chemicals that the Agency’s risk evaluation determines present an imminent hazard. EPA proposed the rulemaking on January 19, 2017.

Do you manage chemical inventory? Be confident you know your facility’s responsibilities under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The TSCA Regulations Online Course covers the chemical management, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements you must know to maintain compliance.

The January 2017 proposed rule would prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of MCL and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP)—a replacement solvent used in paint-stripping and other applications—for consumer and most types of commercial paint and coatings removal under Section 6 of TSCA.

The proposed rule also includes recordkeeping and supply-chain notification requirements.

EPA announced in May 2018 that they would finalize the methylene chloride rulemaking and send it to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). When no immediate action was taken, groups threatened suit in late 2018. Advocates officially filed their suit on January 14, 2019 to compel EPA to finalize the rule. 

Final Rule Sent to OMB

In December 2018, US EPA sent a January 2017 Final Rule to the Office of Management and Budget, with two changes from the January 2017 proposal:
  • EPA intends to further evaluate the commercial furniture refinishing use of methylene chloride; and
  • EPA intends to address NMP use in paint and coating removal in a separate regulatory action.

TSCA Chemical Risk Evaluations

Both MCL and NMP are on among the first ten chemicals slated for new risk evaluations required under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (the “Lautenberg Law”). 

Learn more about EPA’s TSCA risk evaluation for methylene chloride (MCL) here.
Learn more about EPA’s TSCA risk evaluation for NMP here
 

Tags: chemicals, EPA, methylene chloride, new rules, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.