EU plans to ban strippers

EU proposes ban on strippers

The European Union is planning to ban members of the European public from buying toxic paint strippers that contain dichloromethane. Under the plans the use of paint strippers in industry would also be restricted.

Dichloromethane gives off a vapour that causes headaches, and dizziness. In high concentrations it can cause faintness, unconsciousness, and even death.

The chemical is common in paint strippers used in industry, many of which are also available in many DIY stores for the general public who are mostly unaware of the risks.

Studies by the EU into the chemical have found that between 1989 and 2007 a ’significant number’ of fatalities occurred in EU member states when paint stripper was used in an unventilated area or with inadequate protective equipment.

The Vice-President of the European Commission, Günter Verheugen, said of the plans: “Our proposal will achieve a high level of protection of human health and will provide an important measure of added safety for consumers and workers.”

The plans would ban the sale of paint strippers containing dichloromethane to the general public, and make protective measures compulsory when the chemical is used in industry.

The proposals must be formally approved by the European Parliament and Council before they become enshrined in law.