Environment Alert: EPA bans deadly chemical used in paint strippers — with loophole for commercial operators

The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday restricted the use of a toxic chemical used in paint strippers, methylene chloride, that has been linked to dozens of accidental deaths and pulled from the shelves at many major home improvement retailers. But the agency will continue to allow its use by commercial operators who have undergone training, an exemption sought by the Pentagon that sparked criticism from public health advocates and the family members of those who died after being exposed to fumes. The agency had proposed a total ban on the toxic chemical on Jan. 19, 2017, a day before President Barack Obama left office.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     Environment Alert Mar 15, 2:38 PM     EPA bans deadly chemical used in paint strippers — with loophole for commercial operators The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday restricted the use of a toxic chemical used in paint strippers, methylene chloride, that has been linked to dozens of accidental deaths and pulled from the shelves at many major home improvement retailers. But the agency will continue to allow its use by commercial operators who have undergone training, an exemption sought by the Pentagon that sparked criticism from public health advocates and the family members of those who died after being exposed to fumes. The agency had proposed a total ban on the toxic chemical on Jan. 19, 2017, a day before President Barack Obama left office. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2019 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071