I've had two replies from my conservative MEPs - the others haven't bothered to reply yet. Evidently they are trying to table amendments to the legislation. But the Germans, French and Danish are for a total ban. They are worried about the narcotic effects of Nitromors. Personally I'd have thought that there were cheaper ways to get wasted if that's your thing.
This is their reply. Although I had heard that the ban was to be total for professional and amateur use - so I'm not quite sure about what they're talking about when they mention "restricted permission for professional use" - the Germans evidently don't want this.
Thank you for writing to me about the European Commission's proposal regarding restrictions on the marketing and use of Dichloromethane (DCM), a chemical mainly used in paint-strippers such as Nitromors. The chemical has been defined as a carcinogen in the category C2 (IARC). The Commission has decided to take action on the use of products that have this chemical in them.
The Commission proposes a complete ban for consumer use of DCM products and restricted permission for professional use. Member States would be allowed to grant licenses to specially trained professionals, if their work is conducted according to mandatory requirements, such as ventilation, fluro-gloves and respiratory equipment. Industrial use would also be permitted under safe conditions. The Parliament's Rapporteur Mr Schlyter (Green Party) is now proposing a complete ban on both consumer and professional use.
Conservative MEPs support additional workplace controls for the use of dichloromethane-based products but we see no reason for adopting absolute bans for either professional or consumer use. We also consider some of the proposed restrictions of the Commission are disproportionate to the potential risk. We already have other measures in place, sufficient to reduce such risks. We have therefore tabled amendments to delete some of the excessive labelling requirements but also to strengthen references to existing EU laws that protect professional and other users already. Specific requirements already in operation in the UK include adequate information and instruction before starting a job with hazardous materials or techniques. Training also has to make workers aware of the risks of using these products and how to use them safely.
You should be aware, however, that while neither we nor the UK Government support the total prohibition of the professional and consumer use of dichloromethane based products, some of our respective colleagues do. The German, French and Danish Governments, for example, believe that the narcotic effects of DCM are particularly dangerous and that accidents linked to it suggest current measures are not sufficient.
Conservatives will continue, however, to press for a more balanced but safe approach.
This reply is on behalf of all three Conservative MEPs from the West Midlands region.
