Methylene Chloride in Furniture Refinishing; Workshop

On September 12, 2017, EPA is holding a workshop on the use of methylene chloride in furniture refinishing. In a proposed rule published on January 19, 2017, EPA proposed to prohibit manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of methylene chloride in consumer paint and coating removal and most types of commercial paint and coating removal, except for commercial furniture refinishing. This workshop will help inform EPA's understanding of methylene chloride use in furniture refinishing. Federal and state governments, industry professionals, furniture refinishing experts, non-government organizations, and academic experts, among others, will discuss the role of methylene chloride in furniture refinishing, potential alternatives, economic impacts, and other issues identified in EPA's January 2017 proposed rule on methylene chloride, which deferred action on the use of methylene chloride in commercial furniture refinishing. This information will allow EPA to better understand current work practices and obtain additional information on the economic considerations involved in selecting chemical products for paint and coating removal in the furniture refinishing sector. The meeting also aims to facilitate an exchange of information on existing use practices and furniture refinishers' experience, in general, with paint removal products and methods.