Solvent‐based paint and varnish removers: a focused toxicologic review of existing and alternative constituents

Paint and varnish removers constitute a major potential source of organic solvent exposure to contractors and home improvement enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the leading paint remover formulations have traditionally contained, as major ingredients, chemicals classified as probable human carcinogens (eg, methylene chloride) or reproductive toxicants (eg, N‐methylpyrrolidone). In addition, because of its unique toxicology (ie, hepatic conversion to carbon monoxide compounding generic solvent narcosis and arrythmogenesis), high volatility, and rigorous requirements for personal protective equipment, methylene chloride exposures from paint removers have been linked to numerous deaths involving both occupational and consumer usage. The aim of this review is to summarize the known toxicology of solvent‐based paint remover constituents (including those found in substitute formulations) in order to provide health risk information to regulators, chemical formulators, and end‐users of this class of products, and to highlight any data gaps that may exist. Solvent‐based paint and varnish removers are an important source of potential consumer and worker exposures. Two historically prominent ingredients, methylene chloride and N‐methylpyrrolidone, have come under increasing scrutiny (and in one case, regulatory action) for their toxicities. This review considers, not only historically prominent paint remover constituents, but also alternative/emerging formulations, and documents important information gaps in their toxicologic testing portfolios.