Modeling methylene chloride exposure-reduction options for home paint-stripper users

Abstract

Home improvement is a popular activity, but one that can also involve exposure to hazardous substances. Paint stripping is of particular concern because of the high potential exposures to methylene chloride, a solvent that is a potential human carcinogen and neurotoxicant. This article presents a general methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for reducing these risks. It doubles as a model that assesses exposure patterns, incorporating user time ± activity patterns and risk -mitigation strategies. The model draws upon recent innovations in indoor air -quality modeling to estimate exposure through inhalation and dermal pathways to paint -stripper users. It is designed to use data gathered from home paint -stripper users about room characteristics, amount of stripper used, time ± activity patterns and exposure -reduction strategies ( e.g., increased ventilation and modification in the timing of stripper application, scraping, and breaks ) . Results indicate that the effectiveness of behavioral interventions depends strongly on characteristics of the room ( e.g., size, number and size of doors and windows, base air -exchange rates ) . The greatest simple reduction in exposure is achieved by using an exhaust fan in addition to opening windows and doors. These results can help identify the most important information for product labels and other risk -communication materials.

Dermal exposure assessment in occupational epidemiologic research

“…Although issues concerning differences in measurement techniques and strategies apply as well, "successful" examples of this approach can be found in the literature. These studies applied a single measurement method and collected auxiliary data, on the basis of which determinants of dermal exposure were identified (86,(93)(94)(95)(96)(97) and historical exposure trends were inferred (98). Such studies could render estimates of exposure determinants under realistic field scenarios and provide estimates of the field effectiveness of protective clothing.…”

Elements That Contribute to Healthy Building Design

“…Personal behaviors such as opening windows and using exhaust fans can have significant impacts on reducing exposures from activities such as paint stripping (Riley et al 2000). Window-opening behaviors can have a strong effect on a home’s air change rate; thus, this factor should be incorporated into exposure analyses when estimating human exposure to indoor air pollutants (Howard-Reed et al 2002).…”

Non-professional paint stripping, model prediction and experimental validation of indoor dichloromethane levels

“…The use of consumer products with volatile components is expected to temporarily increase the indoor concentration of chemicals (Otson et al., 1981; van Veen et al., 1999; Wallace et al., 1987). Paint stripper is a regularly used product and many brands use dichloromethane as main ingredient (Otson et al., 1981; Riley et al., 2000). Although dichloromethane attracted much attention because of (near) fatal occupational accidents (Hall & Rumack, 1990; Shusterman et al., 1990) or surprisingly high peak levels (Anundi et al., 1993), hardly any studies on non‐occupational exposure have been published (Girman & Hodgson, 1986; Hodgson & Girman, 1987; Riley et al., 2000).…”