Abstract  In response to a request from the owner, an evaluation was made of potential hazardous conditions associated with the use of an experimental paint stripper to renovate wood floors by the Rosebud Company (SIC-1752), Atlanta, Georgia. The work was being performed at an antique residence undergoing renovation. The paint stripper, Experimental Solvent System Formulat MPB, was a viscous liquid used for passive refinishing. Personal exposures to n-methyl-pyrrolidinone (872504) (NMP) were documented at 3.3 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm) on two occasions at the work site. Area samples averaged 3.6 and 7.7ppm. No detectable lead (7439921) was found in the personal or area air samples taken. Wipe samples prior to renovation found a surface lead level of 158 micrograms per square foot from a section of baseboard. Four paint chip samples from the floor or a room being renovated contained 0.19% to 0.28% lead. Levels of formic-acid (64186) were below the 5ppm OSHA permissible exposure limit. The author concludes that the health hazard associated with NMP exposure is not clear. The author recommends that additional precautions be taken to reduce potential exposures for workers and others in the building.

Abstract  Communication about risks offers a voluntary approach to reducing exposure to pollutants. Its adequacy depends on its impact on behavior. Estimating those impacts first requires characterizing current activities and their associated risk levels, and then predicting the effectiveness of risk-reduction strategies. Characterizing the risks from chemical consumer products requires knowledge of both the physical and the behavioral processes that influence exposures. This article presents an integrated approach that combines consumer interviews, users' beliefs and behaviors, and quantitative exposure modeling. This model was demonstrated in the context of consumer exposure to a methylene chloride-based paint stripper, showing how it could be used to evaluate current levels of risk and predict the effectiveness of proposed voluntary risk-reduction strategies.

Abstract  The study was conducted to provide usage information on 32 categories of common household and automotive products which were thought to contain methylene chloride or its substitutes. Respondents were selected using a random digit dialing procedure, were contacted by telephone to get their consent and address, and were then sent a mail questionnaire which included product pictures. Nonrespondents were followed up with a telephone interview. The main objective was to acquire usage statistics for each product that can be used to calculate exposure assessments. These usage statistics included frequency, duration and amount of use, location of use, brand names used, and protective measures undertaken while using the product. Some major findings follow. Respondents used an average of seven of the 32 products in their lifetime and five during the last year. Contact cements, superglues and spray adhesives were used most frequently and brake quieters/cleaners, gasket removers and transmission cleaners were used least frequently. Duration of use was longest for paint removers/strippers, adhesive removers and wood stains, varnishes and finishes, and duration was shortest for ignition/wire dryers, spray shoe polish, and typewriter correction fluid. Most respondents reported having a window or door open but did not have a fan on while using products, and most reported that they read directions on the product labels before use. Finally, usage of the products decreases with increasing age.