(TRENTON) – To further expand upon the 2019 ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency prohibiting the manufacturing and consumer sales of specific paint removal products containing methylene chloride (DCM), Assemblywomen Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) and Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) sponsored legislation signed into law on Monday to implement proper safety standards.
The law (formerly bill A-3874) will ensure that proper safety standards are met by consumers purchasing coating removal products containing DCM. Methylene chloride is a dangerous chemical that has been linked to numerous health effects ranging from dizziness, nausea, hepatitis, various cancers, heart arrhythmias, and in severe cases, death.
This law will require that consumers prove confirmation of following Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines as a condition for purchasing products containing DCM. Those in violation of the law’s provisions will face civil penalties in the form of fines.
Assembly members Lopez and Vainieri Huttle issued the following joint statement:
“DCM is a seriously dangerous chemical. Unfortunately, many who use products containing it are simply unaware of its hazards. Requiring proof of knowledge and adherence to safety precautions before the purchase of these products will certainly help safeguard the health of those who must use it.
“It is incumbent upon us to inform and protect New Jersey consumers to the best of our abilities. People have become ill and many have died due to unsafely using products that contained DCM. This will help avoid these tragedies and protect our citizens from harmful chemicals.”