Thanks Roger and Jake for heads up on "Nitromors" paint strippers ban. I had to search hard to find when the new rules will be applied. The following is a quote from a press release found on the web:
"EU rules banning paint strippers containing dichloromethane (DCM) for consumer use will enter force on Saturday 6 June 2009 following publication in the EU’s official Journal.
Under the rules, products intended to be put on the market for the first time will be banned from 6 December 2010. The ban will apply to all products from 6 December 2011 and applies to paint strippers containing DCM concentrations equal or greater than 0,1% by weight.
Professional uses will be banned from 6 June 2012 but member states can apply for derogations for licensed professionals who will be allowed to use DCM in strippers under strict conditions. The EU Commission will publish a list of countries that have applied for derogations."
I don't use a great deal of paint stripper but imho Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) is useful when you need it. How many of us will stockpile enough to keep themselves supplied :?
According to the EU Commission, between 1989 and 2007, 18 fatalities (9 for industrial use, 8 for professional use, 1 for consumer use) and 56 non-fatal injuries have been registered in the EU. That doesn't seem to me like a strong argument for banning consumer use.
It appears that the other organic solvent based strippers are as dangerous as Dichloromethane and I wouldn't choose to use Caustic Soda based stripper (dangerous and raises the grain on wood).
Has anyone tried "Home Strip Paint & Varnish Remover"-Dibasic Ester based paint stripper? It is claimed to be totally safe to user and the environment. I think it is water based so grain raising may be a problem too. US Government say: "Much less is known about the possible health effects of these chemicals than about most of the other paint stripping chemicals" and advise caution (CPSC Document #423).
:idea: Perhaps a woodworking magazine might make a comparative test of whats available before the ban comes into force?
Regards
Graham