Government seeks industry feedback on use of DCM to strip paint in Auto Body Sector

Without industry input, the aftermarket sector’s needs and interest may not be met by new risk-management strategy

AIA Canada has received a request for information from Environment and Climate Change Canada regarding Dichloromethane (DCM), a substance used to strip paint. They are looking for information from industry to determine if the current risk management strategy for DCM is sufficient or if new measures should be considered.

When government investigates a substance’s risk-management strategy, it is important that the industry provide input. Without that input, the decision made regarding the substance may not meet the industry’s needs or interests.

The attached document, Code of Practice for the Reduction of Dichloromethane Emissions from the Use of Paint Strippers in Commercial Furniture Refinishing and Other Stripping Applications, was published in 2003. It includes a section (starting on page 16) on the use of paint strippers that contain DCM in the auto body sector.

The government wants industry to review the information on DCM in the auto body sector and advise whether it is still current by answering the following questions:

• Are you familiar with the Code of Practice? If yes, is it still relevant?
• Who are the largest auto body shops in Canada?
• What is the quantity of paint stripper used in the auto body shop sector in Canada?
• Are paint strippers containing DCM still commonly used in auto body shops?
• Apart from auto body shops, is DCM used in other sectors of the automotive aftermarket? If so, which sectors are involved?

For more information on how Environment and Climate Change Canada has managed DCM, please consult the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/management-toxic-substances/list-canadian-environmental-protection-act/dichloromethane.html.

If you are able to answer any of the above questions, please send your responses to Erin Chreptyk.