Written question asked by Jenny Willott (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 9 February 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 February 2011. It was answered by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 February 2011 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dichloromethane

Question: (2) whether his Department is considering the merits of seeking a derogation from EU restrictions on the use of the chemical dichloromethane; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Dichloromethane is a widely-used solvent, which can have narcotic effects at high concentrations.Between 1989 and 2007, 18 deaths and 56 non-fatal injuries relating to use of paint strippers containing this solvent were registered across Europe. There is now an EU-wide ban under the REACH regulation on the placing on the market of paint strippers containing this substance for consumers or untrained professionals which came into effect from 6 December 2010.In the UK the rate of injury from the use of these paint strippers is very low. The history of accidents involving this substance shows only five fatal accidents in 18 years, and an average of just over one other injury a year. Recognising that these paint strippers can be used safely, and their importance for UK businesses, the Government intend to take advantage of a derogation permitted in the ban to allow for the continued sale and use of these paint strippers for trained professionals.

Secondary information