Code of Practice for the Reduction of Dichloromethane Emissions from the Use of Paint Strippers in Commercial Furniture Refinishing and Other Stripping Applications: Progress Report, May 2025

Introduction

Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride or DCM (Chemical Abstract Service [CAS] registry number: 75-09-2), is a colourless, volatile organic liquid that does not occur naturally. It is soluble in most organic solvents and has a high evaporation rate. These properties make DCM a versatile substance. It is used in a wide variety of applications, including as a solvent in paint and furniture stripping products.

In Canada, DCM is not intentionally manufactured, but it is imported.

DCM was first assessed by the Government of Canada in 1993 (Government of Canada, 1993). At the time, it was identified as a concern for human health and the environment. Following a Strategic Options Process (Environment Canada, 1998), recommendations were made on how to reduce DCM emissions in Canada. This included the 2003 publication of the Code of Practice for the Reduction of Dichloromethane Emissions from Use of Paint Strippers in Commercial Furniture Refinishing and Other Stripping Applications (Code of Practice), which was intended to reduce emissions of DCM to the environment (Government of Canada, 2003).

This progress report presents the results of implementation of the Code of Practice at the facilities to which the Code applies.

Purpose of the Code of Practice

The Code of Practice aims to provide guidance for commercial paint stripping operations regarding activities that can serve to reduce emissions of dichloromethane into the environment.

Target audience

The Code of Practice applies to facilities using DCM in their commercial paint stripping operations in the following sectors:

• Commercial furniture restoration facilities
• Miscellaneous commercial paint stripping facilities, including:
  • Metal parts stripping facilities
  • Auto body shops
  • Building restorers

The Code of Practice can also be adopted by facilities using paint strippers that do not contain DCM.

Performance target

The Code of Practice proposes specific practices that could lead to a 20% reduction in DCM consumption in commercial stripping companies compared with 1995 levels. The estimated use of DCM in commercial stripping facilities in 1995 is summarized in Table 1.

Results

In order to establish the reduction in DCM consumption in commercial stripping facilities, several surveys were carried out to collect data on the following:

• Commercial furniture restoration facilities
• Miscellaneous commercial paint stripping facilities, including:
  • Metal parts stripping facilities
  • Auto body shops
  • Building restoration companies

In particular, Environment and Climate Change Canada conducted a voluntary online survey in 2022 (ECCC, 2022) and a voluntary telephone survey in 2023-2024 (ECCC, 2023-2024) to investigate the many auto body shops likely to use small quantities of DCM (less than 100 kg). A survey conducted under section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) that included DCM was also published on June 24, 2023, to survey manufacturers, importers and users of DCM in quantities greater than 100 kg for 2022 (ECCC, 2023).

The voluntary surveys showed that the use of DCM in auto body shops has declined considerably over the past 30 years. According to a conservative estimate, around 20 tonnes of DCM were used in this sector in Canada in 2022, compared with almost 100 tonnes in 1995, which is a reduction of around 80%. Auto body shops now prefer other stripping techniques, such as sanding and sandblasting.

Data collected during the survey under section 71 of CEPA allowed for the estimation of the quantities used by other sectors covered by the Code of Practice that are likely to use more than 100 kg of DCM, including the following:

• Commercial furniture restoration facilities
• Metal parts stripping facilities
• Building restoration companies

These data confirm the trend away from the use of DCM in these sectors. According to an informed estimate, the quantities used for activities potentially linked to commercial stripping for furniture restoration and other applications are likely no more than 299 tonnes, which is equivalent to a reduction of more than 75% in the use of DCM in these sectors.

The estimated use of DCM in commercial stripping companies in 2022 and the percentage decrease in use between 1995 and 2022 are summarized in Table 2.

In addition, total imports of DCM into Canada have fallen considerably since 1995, from an estimated 8,500 tonnes in 1995 to less than 1,000 tonnes in 2022 (a decrease of around 90%), confirming the trend noted in the commercial stripping sector.

In summary, DCM consumption has decreased by over 77% in the sectors covered by the Code of Practice, thus surpassing the 20% reduction target of this risk management instrument.

Next steps

Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue to monitor trends in the use of DCM in the sectors covered by the Code of Practice and will take action if necessary.

Contact

Environmental Protection Branch
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Email: pgpc-dppc-cmp-cpd@ec.gc.ca

References

CHEMinfo Services Inc. (1997). Dichloromethane (DCM) Uses in Canada: Review of Control Options and Regulatory Requirements. Confidential unpublished study prepared for Environment Canada, Pacific and Yukon Region.

[ECCC] Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2022). Voluntary online survey on the use of dichloromethane in paint strippers for the auto body shop sector.

[ECCC] Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023). Notice with respect to certain substances under the Chemicals Management Plan - June 24, 2023.

[ECCC] Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023–2024). Voluntary telephone survey on the use of dichloromethane in paint strippers for the auto body shop sector.

Environment Canada. (1998). Strategic options for the management of toxic substances - dichloromethane : report of stakeholder consultations.

Government of Canada. (1993). Priority Substances List: Dichloromethane.

Government of Canada. (2003). Code of practice for reducing dichloromethane emissions from use of paint strippers.