Abstract  NMP (N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone) is a polar solvent with outstanding characteristics. It has a wide range of applications because it offers very high solvency, high boiling point, low freezing point, and ease of handling. CAS: No. 872-50-4 (T) EINECS: No. 212-828-1 Japan Chemical Substances Control Law: METI-No. 5-113 Japan, Industrial Safety and Health Law: No. 8-1-1014 Japan, Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law: Not applicable. Japan, Fire Services Law: Hazardous material Class 4 Petroleums No.3 (water-soluble liquid).

Abstract  As a part of EPA’s comprehensive approach to enhance the Agency’s existing chemicals management program, in March 2012 EPA identified a work plan of chemicals for further assessment under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)1. The Agency is performing risk assessments on chemicals in this work plan. If an assessment identifies unacceptable risks to humans or the environment, EPA will pursue risk reduction. EPA/OPPT assessed Nmethylpyrrolidone, also referred to as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (TSCA inventory name) or NMP, as part of this work plan. NMP is a solvent that exhibits low volatility, low flammability and no explosivity. It has low persistence and low bioaccumulation potential in the environment. NMP is produced or imported to the US in large quantities (i.e., 184.7 million lbs in 2012). It has a variety of TSCA uses including: petrochemical processing, engineering plastics, coatings (i.e., resins, paints, finishes, inks and enamels), paint stripping, agricultural chemicals, electronic cleaning and industrial/domestic cleaning. In the work plan, EPA/OPPT identified NMP for further evaluation based on high concern for hazard due to its reproductive toxicity and high concern for potential exposure due to use in consumer products. During scoping and problem formulation, EPA/OPPT considered all TSCA uses and chose to focus on occupational and consumer paint stripping uses because of high content in products and high potential exposure to workers and consumers. In addition, EPA/OPPT reviewed available toxicological data and existing risk assessments and concluded that the data on developmental toxicity was more relevant, consistent and sensitive than the reproductive toxicity data. Therefore the NMP hazard identification focused on developmental toxicity.

Abstract  Introduction The term finish denotes the final process of manufacturing. Finishing operations include addition of clear coat polymers like varnishes or lacquers, painting, plating, anodizing, phosphatizing, galvanizing, and blueing, all of which take place at the terminal point of manufacturing. Finishing is defined as the process of coating or treating a surface for the purpose of protecting and/or decorating the product (1). The useful life of most objects is greater than the life of the finish. This results in a periodic need to remove and replace the finish. Many times the appearance of the item is outdated and the finish is removed to allow a more modern finish to be applied. An organic or inorganic chemical solution or a mechanical process, such as media blasting, may be used to lift or remove the finish. Antiques, household furniture, kitchen cabinets, pianos, aircraft, and buildings can have their useful life extended by removing the old coating and applying a new one. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) remove coatings from rejected parts to avoid scrapping the items. Finish removers are used to remove lead paint from woodwork, windows, or entire buildings to reduce the risk of human exposure to lead. There are > 104 different industries that use finish removers (2). The use of and need for finish removers will probably expand with the increasing importance of recycling (qv), refinishing, and the restoration of durable items.