Paint removers are some of the most utilized chemicals by various industries, as they are used to strip paints and coatings from surfaces. These chemicals are usually aggressive, as they need to be able to penetrate the layers of paint to cause them to swell, which leads to the weakening of the adhesion to the surface.  

Unfortunately, these aggressive chemicals are known to pose many health risks to workers and to the environment as hazardous waste.  

In order to reduce risks associated with handling hazardous waste, it’s important to choose an eco-friendly paint remover over a traditional paint remover. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of making this switch, and where you can shop for eco-friendly options. 

What Are Some of the Risks Associated with Traditional Paint Removers?  

Most paint removers rely on methylene chloride, a hazardous air pollutant, as the active ingredient. The risks associated with methylene chloride are particularly alarming: 

• Contributes to ozone depletion as a halogenated solvent  
• Highly likely to be carcinogenic (high levels of exposure cause liver and lung cancer) 
• Neurotoxin (meaning that it can potentially damage the brain and central nervous system) 
• Can cause severe eye irritation 
• Can cause respiratory irritation 
• Readily absorbed through the skin  
• Exposure can cause drowsiness and dizziness 

Though the chemical is the active ingredient in traditional paint removers, companies are beginning to utilize alternative options and modern chemicals formulated to replace these hazardous solvents.  

What Are Some Examples of These Eco-friendly Paint Removers Options?  

Paint removers that are becoming increasingly more popular are soy-based, which consist of methyl esters from soybean oil, are non-ozone depleting, and are low in VOC content. Another popular example would be terpene-based paint removers, which are derived from citrus fruits. 

The perfect example of a highly effective eco-friendly paint remover is Safe Strip, which replaces methylene chloride, benzene, toluene, and other traditionally used hazardous solvents. There are multiple desirable characteristics of Safe Strip as an environmentally conscious paint remover: 

• Biodegradable 
• Recyclable (cost-effective) 
• Low VOC content 
• No contribution to ozone depletion 
• Non-carcinogenic 
• Non-flammable 
• Powerful performance, comparable to methylene chloride 
• Effective on all coatings, including epoxy and polyurethane resins 
• Removes coatings in one step 

Utilizing a product like Safe Strip not only creates a safer workspace but also allows for the preservation of our delicate environment.  

Interested in Purchasing Safe Strip? 

At Ecolink, we strive to provide our customers with eco-friendly chemicals that not only protect workers’ health but also the health of the environment. To learn more about why Safe Strip is a great greener alternative to traditional paint and coating removers, click here. 

Looking for Eco-friendly Paint Removers?

Ecolink can help you find the right solutions for your business’s needs! Shop Safe Strip here for your paint removal needs. Our expert team members are standing by to answer any questions that you may have. Reach out to us today for a free quote and consultation!