Modeling methylene chloride exposure-reduction options for home paint-stripper users.
Home improvement is a popular activity, but one that can also involve exposure to hazardous substances. Paint stripping is of particular concern because of the high potential exposures to methylene chloride, a solvent that is a potential human carcinogen and neurotoxicant. This article presents a general methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for reducing these risks. It doubles as a model that assesses exposure patterns, incorporating user time-activity patterns and risk-mitigation strategies. The model draws upon recent innovations in indoor air-quality modeling to estimate exposure through inhalation and dermal pathways to paint-stripper users. It is designed to use data gathered from home paint-stripper users about room characteristics, amount of stripper used, time-activity patterns and exposure-reduction strategies (e.g., increased ventilation and modification in the timing of stripper application, scraping, and breaks). Results indicate that the effectiveness of behavioral interventions depends strongly on characteristics of the room (e.g., size, number and size of doors and windows, base air-exchange rates). The greatest simple reduction in exposure is achieved by using an exhaust fan in addition to opening windows and doors. These results can help identify the most important information for product labels and other risk-communication materials.
Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, Princeton University, New Jersey 08544, USA. dmriley@princeton.edu
D M
DM
Riley
M J
MJ
Small
B
B
Fischhoff
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008752:Methylene Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010150:Paint; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D014691:Ventilation
D012997:Solvents; D008752:Methylene Chloride