EPA’s announcement that it will move forward on its proposed rule to ban the use of methylene chloride in paint and coating removal products, while encouraging, left critical details unanswered. We look forward to EPA filling in the blanks.
EDF posted a statement earlier on the announcement here. In addition, here are five things the final rule must do to be health-protective:
- Ban distribution in commerce and use of methylene chloride for paint and coating removal
- Extend to both consumer and commercial uses to ensure that workers are also protected
- Not provide exemptions based on training, labeling or use of protective equipment
- Be finalized and implemented quickly
- Require full compliance within as short as possible a period