EPA Bans Consumer Uses of Toxic Paint Stripper Tied to Dozens of Deaths

Public Policy & Regulation attorney Rich Gold discussed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new rule banning most uses of methylene chloride in a Washington Post article. The chemical, used to strip paint and produce pharmaceuticals and refrigerants, has been linked to health issues and various cancers. Under the new requirements, companies will have to cut down manufacturing, processing and distribution of the chemical. Within a year, use of the chemical at the consumer level will be banned, and within two years, the majority of uses at the industrial and commercial level will be prohibited. However, there are exceptions for uses of the chemical to support the economy, national security and efforts to combat climate change. Mr. Gold said the EPA's exemptions are necessary.

"There are uses that are absolutely essential, such as batteries for EVs and climate-friendly refrigerants," Mr. Gold explained. "And then there are uses where the agency feels the risk is too high."

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