EPA Bans Consumer Use of Dangerous Paint Removal Chemical
EPA finalized a rule last week to ban the manufacture or sale of paint strippers containing the toxic chemical methylene chloride to consumers. The Agency also signaled its intention to develop federal regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to limit the use of methylene chloride paint strippers for commercial applications.
EPA's final rule is scheduled to go into effect in six months. However, in advance of EPA's actions, many national home improvement stores have voluntarily stopped selling paint stripping products containing methylene chloride. EPA's decision to ban the consumer use of these paint strippers was in response to several reported accidental deaths from using paint removal products containing methylene chloride, including instances where contractors were removing paint from bathtubs. Many of these deaths are linked to inadequate ventilation and personal protective equipment.
Remodelers and other NAHB members who use consumer paint stripping products containing methylene chloride should use appropriate personal protective equipment including respirators and protective clothing, gloves and eyewear.
You can refer to OSHA guidelines for proper handling and work place controls for methylene chlorine. Individuals interested in non-methylene chloride paint removal should review information from the Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health.
To develop a proposed rule to restrict the use of methylene chloride for commercial paint and coating removal, EPA is currently accepting public comments on the types of federal training, certification, and work practice requirements that could be imposed on commercial users of methylene chloride-based paint and coating removal products. After receiving comments in about 60 days, EPA will then develop a proposed rule.
Latest from NAHBNow
Remodeling
Nov 02, 2026
Are ADUs Popular Among Today's Remodelers?
According to NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index, nearly a quarter of remodelers started an ADU project over the past twelve months; 24% indicated that they were building an addition for use as an ADU and 23% indicated that they were converting an existing space into an ADU.
IBS
Oct 30, 2026
From Mr. Wonderful to Counting Crows, IBS 2027 Brings Out the Stars
The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) always features leading experts and luminaries from the housing and real estate industry. The sheer size of the event also attracts talent from other walks of life.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Nov 02, 2026
Private Residential Construction Slips as Remodeling Weakens
Private residential construction spending decreased in September 2026 driven by a steep decline in improvement (remodeling) spending. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $848.8 billion in September, down 5.5% from the revised August estimates and lower by 8.9% from last year.
Economics
Nov 02, 2026
Interior Finishes: The Most Time-Consuming Stage of Single-family Construction
Interior finishes (drywall, interior doors, painting, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc.) take more time to complete—6.4 weeks, on average—than any other major stage of single-family construction, according to results from the latest NAHB/Well Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey.
Economics
Oct 30, 2026
Student Housing Construction Rises in the Third Quarter
Private fixed investment in student dormitories rose 2.6% in the third quarter of 2026, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $3.8 billion. This gain marked a second consecutive quarterly increase, despite continued pressures from elevated interest rates. On a year-over-year basis, investments in dorms increased 1.1%.