N-methylpyrrolidone poses low risk to consumers, US EPA says

Armed with new toxicity data provided by chemical manufacturers, the US Environmental Protection Agency claims that the solvent n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) does not pose unreasonable health risks to consumers who use it to remove paints and coatings. The agency previously found that such uses of NMP increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.

The final assessment, released Dec. 23, finds unreasonable risks for only one consumer use of NMP—in adhesives and sealants in glues. It also finds more than two dozen commercial uses of the solvent pose unreasonable risks to workers. Risks to workers are typically linked to chronic exposures, whereas risks for consumers are associated with acute exposures, the agency says. Chronic exposure to NMP can lead to reduced fertility. Acute exposure can cause miscarriages.

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