PARTIAL BAN ON TOXIC PAINT STRIPPER PROPOSED

12.00.00am GMT Mon 25th Feb 2008

A suspected carcinogen available in everyday products such as paint strippers is likely to be taken off the shelves in the near future. Dichloromethane (DCM) vapour is toxic to the central nervous system and is found in many industrial products and now that several studies have confirmed the dangers, the European Commission has proposed a ban on its general sale.

Local MEP Liz Lynne, Vice President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee, has welcomed the proposals, saying:

"These proposals to protect the consumers and workers from a dangerous chemical are good news. Experts had long suspected a link between Dichloromethane and a number of deaths in recent years and with alternatives already available there is no need to expose the general public to this toxic risk.

"Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament have long argued for a ban on the general sale of this chemical so it is a relief that it should soon become a reality, preventing further accidents and deaths."

Under the European Commission's plans, EU Member States will still be able to licence DCM's industrial use, but only where the authorities are convinced adequate training and precautions have been taken. Formal adoption of the plans by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers (national governments) is expected by the end of the year.