The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new rule for methylene chloride for worker safety, the public, and the environment. Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane or DCM, is a chlorinated solvent commonly used in laboratory and workshop settings.
Many uses of methylene chloride such as paint stripping, degreasing, and adhesive removing will be prohibited under the new rules. Specific uses of methylene chloride will be allowed with more stringent protections including an exposure control plan and exposure monitoring to protect individuals from associated health risks from elevated exposure. Adverse health effects from exposure to methylene chloride include neurotoxicity (i.e., damage to the brain or nervous system caused by exposure to a toxic substance) and cancer of the lungs and liver.
Information Sessions
EHS will host information sessions for groups who use methylene chloride. Sessions will be virtual and last approximately 30 minutes, covering why the EPA imposed new restrictions on methylene chloride use, next steps for groups who use methylene chloride, and resources that are available.
Thursday February 20, 2025 from 12:30 to 1:00pm - join using this Webex Meeting Link
Monday February 24, 2025 from 12:00 to 12:30pm - join using this Webex Meeting Link
Tuesday February 25, 2025 from 4:00 to 4:30pm - join using this Webex Meeting Link
Required Actions for Users of Methylene Chloride
To comply with the new EPA rule, Institute laboratories and shops are required to:
- Check your laboratories and workspaces for methylene chloride; ensure all containers are properly inventoried. Groups needing help inventorying their chemicals can reach out to ehs@rpi.edu. If your inventory contains methylene chloride or methylene chloride-containing solutions (≥0.1% by weight), continue to Steps 2-4.
- Review the EPA’s Fact Sheet to determine if your use of methylene chloride is allowed or prohibited under the new rules.
- Eliminate methylene chloride or find an appropriate substitute. Elimination or substitution is required for prohibited uses and strongly recommended for allowed uses.
- Promptly remove chemicals that are no longer in use using the Institute’s regulated waste program.
EHS Support Available for Laboratories and Shops
EHS has developed a Methylene Chloride Workplace Chemical Protection Program to protect people from injuries and illnesses associated with using methylene chloride and meet the requirements of the EPA and OSHA regulations for the use of methylene chloride. EHS will help the Institute community adapt to this new rule in the following ways:
- Identify users of methylene chloride.
- Assist in removing and disposing of methylene chloride through Regulated Waste Pick Up Requests.
- Assist with identifying solvent alternatives to phase out the use of methylene chloride.
- For locations where methylene chloride is allowed and where it cannot be replaced or eliminated, coordinate initial exposure monitoring to determine exposure levels and additional required work protections.
- Conduct periodic monitoring to ensure levels remain below allowable concentrations.
- Provide training on the safe and legal use of methylene chloride.
Timeline for Required Actions
- February-March 2025: EHS identifies spaces where methylene chloride is being used and works with groups to determine if methylene chloride can be eliminated or substituted for use or if methylene chloride is absolutely necessary for work to continue.
- March-May 2025: EHS coordinates exposure monitoring for locations where methylene chloride is allowed and where it cannot be replaced or eliminated.
- Before October 30, 2025: If it is not possible to eliminate or substitute methylene chloride and your use is allowed to use it, groups allowed to use methylene chloride under the new rule are required to implement an exposure control plan.
- After April 28, 2026: The Institute will be prohibited from industrial or commercial use of methylene chloride, including any methylene chloride-containing products (except for allowed uses).
Additional Resources
EPA Final Risk Evaluation of Methylene Chloride
Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community's Methylene Chloride Replacement Resources
Please contact Environmental Health & Safety with any questions or requests for assistance.
