Paint strippers and prevention of occupational risks during building facelift: Where do we stand?

Objective. As part of the 2011-2014 regional health at work plan, a joint study was conducted by several agencies involved in occupational risk prevention, on substitutes for dichloromethane-based paint strippers, which are used for building facelift. Since June 6, 2012, construction professionals must substitute strippers containing more than 0.1% dichloromethane. Method. A field survey was conducted and stripper samples were analyzed from April to November 2013, in order to assess the chemical risk, check the composition of strippers, identify the most effective and the least dangerous ones and specify the conditions for their application. Results. Among the 31 commercial products taken, only one contained high concentrations of dichloromethane. The others still presented hazards as some of them were labeled "harmful, corrosive, irritating or flammable". Several substances classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Toxic to reproduction (CMR) according to regulatory requirements, including toluene, naphthalene, 1-ethyl-pyrrolidin-2-one were detected. The study highlights a major risk of facade fire related to the flammability of strippers. Among the stripper samples, only 50% had a flashpoint higher than 60 C (140 F). With the disappearance of dichloromethane, conditions of use have changed, requiring more time. Therefore, the whole organization of the works has to be reconsidered on the building site. Conclusion. The emergence of new dichloromethane-free strippers has given rise to other risks, such as the fire risk. The choice of the stripper must be made after having performed a risk assessment. Effective less hazardous strippers containing, for example, dibasic esters or dimethyl sulfoxide are available on the market: substitution is required. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.