HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT | POSSIBLE EFFECTS |
---|---|
BENZENE | Destroys ability to produce blood cells, can cause leukemia; flammable; carcinogen |
METHYLENE CHLORIDE | Suspected carcinogen; vapors cause carbon monoxide accumulation in blood |
TOLUENE | Produces headache, nausea, narcosis, central nervous system depression |
PHENOL | Central nervous system depression; severely affects circulatory system; corrosive to skin; suspected carcinogen |
CRESOL | Corrosive to tissue, damages liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and spleen |
There are a variety of different formulations for
products that remove paint and varnish (also called paint
and varnish strippers). Most paint and varnish removers
contain organic solvents which are hazardous to human
health. Most are highly flammable. Some nonflammable
products will produce a toxic gas when in contact with
flame. Paint and varnish removers may contain some of
these hazardous ingredients: acetone, benzene,
isopropyl alcohol, methanol, methylene chloride,
petroleum distillates, toluene, trichloroethane, and
xylene. Although not presently used in paint and varnish
removers, benzene, a known human carcinogen, was an
ingredient in older products.
Hazardous ingredients in paint and varnish removers can harm your body through skin contact, skin absorption, ingestion, and inhalation. A common ingredient, methylene chloride, is a powerful narcotic which break down in the body to form carbon monoxide, potentially resulting in oxygen deprivation. The use of paint and varnish removers containing methylene chloride by people with heart conditions has resulted in fatal heart attacks. Methylene chloride is also a known animal carcinogen and a suspected human carcinogen. See the specific ingredients in this section for additional information on the hazards associated with paint and varnish removers.
Use: Never use paint and varnish removers containing benzene. If you have a heart condition, do not use products containing methylene chloride. Follow label directions carefully. Do not smoke while using these products. Do not use paint and varnish removers near flames, sparks, sources of ignition, or areas of intense heat. Beware of using paint and varnish removers when the gas furnace is operating. The vapors may destroy your furnace by corrosion and the pilot light can ignite the vapors which will then explode.
Wear protective gloves and safety goggles. Work outdoors and in the shade. If
you must work indoors, be sure to have adequate ventilation. Take plenty of
fresh air breaks. If you can smell the product, you are inhaling the solvents
and should wear an approved respirator with an organic solvent cartridge.
Never use paint and varnish remover to
clean your hands. (To remove oil-based paint from skin, massage with a few drops
of baby oil, butter, or margarine. Wipe dry and wash with soap and water.) When
through working, wash your hands and all exposed skin thoroughly before eating
and drinking. When you are finished for the day, place solvent-covered rags and
newspapers into a metal container with a lid and place the container outside of
the house. Place the container beside your household trash for pick-up.
Storage: Store out of reach of children and pets in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep containers tightly closed. Keep away from sources of sparks, ignition, and flame.
Disposal: The best way to dispose of leftover paint and varnish remover is to use it up as intended or find someone who will use it up. If you cannot find a donation outlet for the paint and varnish remover or if it contains benzene, store and hold the product for a professional household hazardous waste collection or give it to a licensed hazardous waste handler for disposal.