The study was conducted to provide usage information on 32 categories of common household and automotive products which were thought to contain methylene chloride or its substitutes. Respondents were selected using a random digit dialing procedure, were contacted by telephone to get their consent and address, and were then sent a mail questionnaire which included product pictures. Nonrespondents were followed up with a telephone interview. The main objective was to acquire usage statistics for each product that can be used to calculate exposure assessments. These usage statistics included frequency, duration and amount of use, location of use, brand names used, and protective measures undertaken while using the product. Some major findings follow. Respondents used an average of seven of the 32 products in their lifetime and five during the last year. Contact cements, superglues and spray adhesives were used most frequently and brake quieters/cleaners, gasket removers and transmission cleaners were used least frequently. Duration of use was longest for paint removers/strippers, adhesive removers and wood stains, varnishes and finishes, and duration was shortest for ignition/wire dryers, spray shoe polish, and typewriter correction fluid. Most respondents reported having a window or door open but did not have a fan on while using products, and most reported that they read directions on the product labels before use. Finally, usage of the products decreases with increasing age.

"July 1987." "EPA/OTS-560-5-87-005." "Under EPA Contract no. 68-02-4243." "Project Officer: Cindy Stroup"--Page v.