title: Fatalities due to dichloromethane in paint strippers: a continuing problem.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exposure to dichloromethane (DCM or methylene chloride - CH₂ Cl₂ ) in paint strippers continues to be an avoidable source of morbidity and mortality. DCM has been under regulatory scrutiny by occupational and consumer product agencies since the identification of its carcinogenicity in the mid-1980s.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated two independent workplace incidents that resulted in three cases of DCM intoxication from paint stripper use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Each incident investigated resulted in a fatality. A third worker suffered obtundation requiring hospitalization and intubation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The continued occurrence of fatalities and other serious injuries due to DCM-containing paint strippers in the United States calls for a re-evaluation of existing regulatory strategies.
authors: Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Macisaac
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Harrison
authors: Janani
authors: J
authors: Krishnaswami
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: McNary
authors: Jeffrey
authors: J
authors: Suchard
authors: Megan
authors: M
authors: Boysen-Osborn
authors: Hank
authors: H
authors: Cierpich
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Styles
authors: Dennis
authors: D
authors: Shusterman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000506:poisoning*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008752:Methylene Chloride / Q000506:poisoning*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010150:Paint
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D008752:Methylene Chloride
keywords: asphyxia; chlorinated solvent; confined space; dichloromethane; fatality; methylene chloride; paint stripper