European Association for Safer Coatings Removal

Incidents with Dichlormethane DCM paint stripping has long been a matter of concern to institutions and organizations involved with occupational safety. Up until 2002, the common (yet mistaken) belief was that although this form of  paint stripping was considered dangerous, there had not been many severe accidents. In fact, it was only the fatal accident of a decorator in London, on 5 April 2002, which raised concern and created the desire to gain a better understanding of incidents involving DCM. In the meantime, several work safety groups have started research, and, in the shortest of time, have been able to compile a longer list of recorded incidents than many had previously expected. Below you will find an overview of incidents involving dichloromethane in paint removers, cleaning products or other applications, as well as further studies and summaries relevant to this subject.

Please note that whilst the below table should not be considered complete, it lists those incidents relating to the use of dichloromethane in paint strippers which we are aware of, and where there is documented, accessible evidence of their occurrence. The intention of this table is to counter-balance what EASCR considers to be misleading statements presented in the media which not only  describe paint stripping with dichloromethane as safe, but give the impression that simple protection (although not specified) would be sufficient to avoid potentially dangerous side effects. Its purpose, as with most activities conducted by EASCR, is to stimulate open debate on the safe use of paint strippers (both commercially and domestically) by raising awareness for issues often neglected through insufficient representation in the appropriate forums. We believe that by accepting the existence of such incidents, that all parties will be able to earn from experience, and cooperate in creating a safer work environment for those employed in the coating removal business.

Help us to reveal more! We believe there must be more incidents which remain unrecorded, and that the list below does not fully reflect the danger of working with DCM. You, as visitor to this site, and therefore hopefully also a supporter of our cause, can help us to reveal yet more! Should you know of any reference, article or internet link, that is not part of the below list, we would be most grateful it if you could send us this information by e-mail/mail/fax. In return, we would endeavour to keep you informed of all our latest research, and the overall status of our campaign, by adding your details to our mailing list.

Pharmceutical firm has been fined €150.000 for DCM emmissions. http://www.bionorthernireland.com/pooled/articles/BF_NEWSART?Q=BF_NEWSART_189556