Kortlægning af substitutionsmuligheder inden for maling/lakfjernere

English summary

It is a myth that methylene chloride is the quickest way to remove paint or lacquer. It is possible to use other less dangerous and less expensive methods.

Background and objective

The most dominant use of methylene chloride in Denmark is in connection with paint stripping.

In continuation of a voluntary agreement between the paint industry and the Danish EPA it is possible to see an automatic substitution of methylene chloride, but the substance is still a part of chemical paint strippers.

The objective of this project has been to render visible the possibilities for and impel the substitution of methylene chloride with - in relation to health and environment - less problematic substances or mechanical processes for paint stripping.

The report shall be the background for popular information to private and professional users of paint stripping.

The investigation

This project has been conducted in the following 3 phases:

Based on these assessments the most appropriate substitutes are appointed.

The survey of technical possibilities of substitution has been conducted in close co-operation with the Danish Products Register and through contacts to several enterprises with interest in paint stripping.

The environmental and health assessment has been conducted as an overall interpretation of the guidelines from EU concerning risk assessment of chemical substances. The structure in the assessment is built on a consensus in the project steering committee. By conducting the assessment at this level it is possible to compare the mechanical and chemical paint stripping in a decent way.

The economical assessment is based on an estimate of how the different methods will be used, if the methylene chloride is substituted 100%. Based on a calculation of the costs in connection with the substitution, an estimate has been made to show how extensive a tax methylene chloride should have to ensure a complete substitution.

Conclusion

The assessments lead to the following conclusions:

• If the paint is fixed on the surface removal is often unnecessary.
  
  
• For the majority of the different types of paint stripping it is possible to use chemical products with sufficient efficiency.
  
  
• None of the investigated methods for removal of paint and lacquer have the same severe impact on both health and environment as methylene chloride.
  
  
• There are chemical substitutes for methylene chloride with less impact on health and environment.
  
  
• The investigated mechanical methods are connected with negative impacts on health, but by appropriate use of protective equipment application of the methods will represent an improvement of the impact on health. In connection with impact on the environment it can be concluded that inappropriate use can lead to more severe impact than the use of methylene chloride products. Appropriate use will enrich the impact on both environment and health in connection with paint stripping compared to the use of methylene chloride.
  
  
• It seems that the use of the chemical substitutes instead of the mechanical methods will improve environment and health conditions in connection with paint stripping.
  
  
• The paint stripping branch assumes that different combinations of mechanical and chemical methods for removal of paints will be able to substitute the use of methylene chloride 100%.
  
  
• The total costs of a 100% substitution of methylene chloride in Denmark by application of different combinations of chemical and mechanical methods for removal of paints is estimated to be 4-17 million DKK.
  
  
• A tax on approx. 30-35 DKK per kg methylene chloride will ensure a substitution of this substance in paint strippers close to 100% in the industry - in connection with private use the tax has to be much higher and may bee connected to a ban of the use of methylene chloride in paint strippers for private use for the promotion of substitution.

Results

The following chemical substances have been identified as possible substitutes for methylene chloride in paint strippers:

* The assessment of the suppliers

The potential effects of 1-bromopropane and 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol on mainly the health are so serious that it cannot be recommended to base the development of paint strippers on these substances.

As regards the rest of the chemical substances and the mechanical methods, it is necessary to collect more information before a possible recommendation can be made.