ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Methylene Chloride

In early 2024, the EPA ruled to prohibit most uses of Methylene Chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

What is Methylene Chloride?

Methylene Chloride is a hazardous chemical used as a laboratory solvent in addition to various commercial applications. This chemical has been recently recognized to present an "unreasonable risk of injury to health" by the EPA, resulting in strict regulations under TSCA which includes significantly lowered exposure limits that affect both employed workers and members of the general public.

WHERE IS Methylene Chloride?

Methylene Chloride is in use on grounds as a laboratory chemical. However, it is also a component of many common products, such as adhesive removers. After consumer protections are fully enacted in May 2025, only specifically allowed situations, such as a chemical in a laboratory setting, will be able to use Methylene Chloride. To comply with the TSCA ruling, such permitted use will need to be monitored by Environmental Health & Safety to ensure that no one is exceeding the reduced exposure limits. After May 2025, commercial products containing Methylene Chloride will not be available for purchase; however, it is important to determine if any currently owned products contain Methylene Chloride.

The following products may contain Methylene Chloride

• Paint Strippers and Removers
• Solvent-Based Paints and Coatings
• Adhesives and Adhesive Removers
• Metal Cleaners and Degreasers
• Automotive Products
• Engine Cleaners
• Brake Cleaners
• Lubrication Oil
• Lithography/Printmaking Products
• Heavy-Duty or Specialized Cleaners

More information about Methylene Chloride and this new federal rule

Federal Register - Methylene Chloride Final Rule

EPA - Methylene Chloride Factsheet

EPA - Methylene Chloride Compliance Guide

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

The first steps towards ensuring the safety of everyone on grounds, and towards complying with the new regulation, is to identify whether Methylene Chloride is being used in your spaces.

1. If Methylene Chloride is in commercial products, such as adhesives removers, metal cleaners, or lubricants, please properly dispose of the products and substitute them with a Methylene Chloride-free alternative. These products can be disposed of through EHS, use this form to request a waste pick-up for any of these items.
2. If Methylene Chloride is in use and said usage falls under an exemption as specified in the regulation, it is highly recommended that various alternatives are considered due to the health risks associated with Methylene Chloride and the potential monitoring requirements for continued usage of the chemical. See below for information about possible alternatives.
3. If Methylene Chloride is in use, said usage falls under an exemption (e.g., laboratory use) as specified in the regulation, and the chemical cannot be substituted or eliminated, you MUST notify Environmental Health & Safety staff at 434.982.4911 or email to ensure that the use is documneted and conducted in a manner to reduce exposure to below the new legal limits.

potential substitutions for Methylene Chloride

Chromatography: A convenient guide to help select replacement solvents for dichloromethane in chromatography - Green Chemistry (RSC Publishing)

Organic and Medicinal Chemistry: Chlorinated Solvents: Their Advantages, Disadvantages, and Alternatives in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry | Chemical Reviews (acs.org)

Greener Solvents: From sigmaaldrich.com

Green Chemistry Tools: Green chemistry tools to influence a medicinal chemistry and research chemistry based organisation - Green Chemistry (RSC Publishing)

Contact EHS at 434.982.4911 for any questions or guidance.