Methylene chloride is the active ingredient in many chemical
stripping agents. Exposure to the chemical poses numerous health
risks. The most immediate risk comes from contact with the skin
or eyes. A splatter of methylene chloride on the skin will produce
burns. When skin contact occurs, you'll know it - it's a very
painful sensation. Rinse immediately with copious volumes of
water, wash the area with soap and water, and rinse again.
Always wear eye protection when handling any methylene chloride
based stripper. This can't be stressed enough. Even the most
limited eye contact can produce corneal scarring and permanently
impair vision. Should eye contact occur, flush with clear water
for at least fifteen minutes, and see a physician immediately.
Methylene chloride acts as a mild narcotic. If you feel a bit
woozy or giddy while stripping, you're breathing air that has
unsafe levels of the chemical. But don't wait for such warning
signs. Follow the precautions listed below before you experience
any adverse effects.
A major metabolic by-product of methylene chloride is carbon
monoxide. It's much easier for the hemoglobin in your red blood
cells to take up molecules of carbon monoxide than molecules
of oxygen. Exposure to unsafe levels of methylene chloride fumes
can therefore produce an oxygen deficiency in the blood. This
lack of oxygen puts a strain on internal organs, particulary
the heart. This is one reason why anyone with a history of cardiovascular
illness should abstain from stripping paint.
Methylene chloride is a suspected carcinogen. Chronic exposure
may cause cancer.
|
