Preventing Worker Deaths from Paint Strippers Containing Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is a widely used solvent that can cause serious illness or death when used in enclosed spaces. It is a cancer-causing chemical used in paint strippers, in the production of polymer foams, and as a degreaser.

The Occupational Health Branch investigated two incidents in California in which workers died after using paint strippers containing methylene chloride.

OHB recommends the following to keep workers safe:

• Become familiar with the risks of methylene chloride in paint strippers
• Use less toxic alternatives; and
• Use effective personal protective equipment and an exhaust ventilation system (not just a fan).

Digital Stories

• Toxic Paint Removers: Safer Alternatives - safety video
  

Fatality & hazard alerts

• Methylene chloride linked to worker death in tank (PDF) - fatality alert
• Methylene chloride linked to worker death in church (PDF) - fatality alert
• Methylene chloride is dangerous… there are safer alternatives! (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) - hazard alert

Safety materials

• Paint Stripping Products: Safer, Less Toxic Choices (PDF) - poster
• Minimum Personal Protective Equipment Required for Paint Stripping (PDF) - guide
• Choosing Paint Removal Methods: Safety Considerations (PDF) | mobile-friendly version - table & guide
• Toxic Paint Removers: Safer Choices (Word) -article for newsletters, listservs & blogs

Additional Information about Methylene Chloride