Law & Order

EPA Takes First Step to Restrict Degreasers and Paint Strippers

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is convening two small-business advocacy review panels to consider ways to restrict the use of three chemicals found in degreasing and paint-stripping operations: N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), trichloroethylene (TCE) and methylene chloride, which is also known as dichloromethane (DCM). The review panels are required under the Regulatory Flexibility Act when rulemakings may have a significant economic impact on a number of small businesses. The EPA has concluded that the chemicals may pose potential cancer or other health risks. The panels will seek to identify ways in which exposure to the chemicals can be reduced. 

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.