WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it has finalized a ban on consumer uses of methylene chloride, a chemical that is widely used as a paint stripper but is known to cause liver cancer and other health problems.
The EPA said its action will protect Americans from health risks while allowing certain commercial uses to continue with robust worker protections.
The rule banning methylene chloride is the second risk management rule to be finalized by President Joe Biden’s administration under landmark 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act. The first was an action last month to ban asbestos, a carcinogen that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year but is still used in some chlorine bleach, brake pads and other products.
“Exposure to methylene chloride has devastated families across this country for too long, including some who saw loved ones go to work and never come home,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. The new rule , he said, “brings an end to unsafe methylene chloride practices and implements the strongest worker protections possible for the few remaining industrial uses, ensuring no one in this country is put in harm’s way by this dangerous chemical.”
Chinese coast guard fires water cannons at Philippine vessels in latest South China Sea incident
Scientific Team Contributes to Large Research Infrastructures for Country
Young Chinese Devoted to Protecting Agricultural Heritages
Lifelong Passion for Painting Persists
PGA Tour goes to Dallas for same course and new title. LIV Golf plays in Singapore
Young Chinese Devoted to Protecting Agricultural Heritages
Survivors of 2017 Ariana Grande concert bombing take legal action against UK intelligence agency
Woman Guards 'Neurons' of China's High
Trainer and Brehm can find a few perks amid New Orleans disappointment
Chen Chunyan: 'Liusanjie of New Generation' Sings for New Era
Denise Welch confirms she's moved house after knife
Chen Chunyan: 'Liusanjie of New Generation' Sings for New Era