Bathtub Refinisher Deaths from Methylene Chloride (MC) (Also Known as Dichloromethane)

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  Washington (State). Department of Labor and Industries
• Description:
  MC-based paint strippers are an EXTREME hazard: Thirteen bathtub refinishers from ten states have died (2000 - 2011) after inhaling toxic methylene chloride while stripping residential tubs. Ten different products, containing 60 to 100% MC, were associated with the deaths. Products included Klean-Strip Premium Stripper and Tal-Strip II Aircraft Coating Remover. In each case, ventilation and respiratory protection were absent or inadequate. Stripping with MC can have deadly consequences because: MC vapor is absorbed quickly by the lungs at low concentrations that you cannot smell. MC vapor is heavier than air. Vapor can sink and remain low in the bathtub and breathing area during stripping. Bathrooms are difficult to ventilate effectively. Standard ceiling bathroom fans cannot remove MC vapor from low inside the bathtub where you are breathing. Ventilation is needed to both suck contaminated air out of the bathtub and to push fresh air into the space. Small bathrooms with limited windows are difficult to ventilate without air turbulence. Filter and respirator cartridges don't protect you from MC vapor. Instead, you need a full-face supplied air respirator. DO NOT use MC-based strippers on bathtubs There are safer alternatives to MC-based strippers. Alternative paint strippers formulated with benzyl alcohol are less toxic than MC-based strippers and may work best. All paint strippers have hazards, even those marketed as "green". Alternative formulations may contain Nmethylpyrrolidone (NMP), a reproductive hazard, which should be avoided. Read and follow the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Follow a comprehensive safety program for all chemicals used, incorporating ventilation and a respiratory protection program. Washington employers can call the SHARP Program for help finding alternative strippers (1-888-66-SHARP). If you continue to use MC-based strippers Small businesses who use MC should get help. Because it is a carcinogen, MC has an extensive safety standard (WAC 296-62-07470 "Methylene Chloride") that users must follow. The rule requires: air monitoring for MC (possibly routine); effective ventilation; employer-paid doctor visits (possibly routine) for medical assessment of exposed employees; protective clothing; a respiratory protection program. To use MC-based strippers you need: Ventilation that both pulls MC vapor out of the bathtub as you apply it and pushes fresh air towards the bathtub. A full-face supplied air respirator. Half-face respirators DO NOT protect the eyes and cannot be used with MC. Cartridge respirators DO NOT protect because MC goes through the filter. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or Silver Shield 4H(R) gloves. Latex, nitrile, neoprene, polyethylene and butyl rubber gloves DO NOT protect you. Protective coveralls include Tychem(R) models BR/LV, TK, Responder, and Trellchemn(R) HPS. Choosing a paint stripper that is free of MC would lessen some of the above burdens and associated costs. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Hazardous Substances Mortality Occupational Health Respiratory Protective Devices Respiratory System Safety Solvents Ventilation
• Keywords:
  Chemical Hazards Fatalities Inhalation Methylene Chloride Paint Removers Respirators Respiratory Protective Equipment Vapors
• Publisher:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Report
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20060790
• Citation:
  Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 81-8a-2012, 2014 Mar; :1
• CAS Registry Number:
  Dichloromethane (CAS RN 75-09-2)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2014
• Performing Organization:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Bathtub refinisher deaths from methylene chloride (MC) (also known as dichloromethane)
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:6ab17cce53436c80b37b20f33886fbe117c01449581e27aad5a95b0c7b464299e561069d2d033de61f0714f7d8388d035a565cba0471b9a29a27cefe9c4cf648
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/224603/cdc_224603_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 97.33 KB ]