New EPA Regulation for Methylene Chloride Use

Key Takeaways

  • Teaching Labs/Shops: Starting May 1, 2025, methylene chloride is no longer permitted.
  • Research Labs/Shops: Methylene chloride use is still permitted, but research labs/shops should be seeking ways to eliminate or substitute it with less hazardous alternatives.
  • ACTION REQUIRED: Each lab group (Boston/Nahant) must fill out the Methylene Chloride Survey to determine next steps to comply with the new regulation. The Survey is hosted in SMARTSHEETS. Simply use your Northeastern credentials to log in.   

EPA Regulation

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that regulates and significantly reduces the continued use of methylene chloride (synonyms: dichloromethane, DCM). Furthermore, any continued use must meet the requirements of a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) to ensure workers are protected from exposures above established thresholds.

Why EPA took this action

Methylene chloride poses significant health risks. It is readily absorbed by both inhalation and through the skin, including toxicity to the central nervous system and possible carcinogenicity. Methylene chloride metabolizes in the body to form a chemical asphyxiant, carbon monoxide.  The new EPA exposure limits are an order of magnitude lower than the previous limits set by OSHA. Click here to learn more about the public health risks.

What does this mean for Northeastern Labs and Shops?

  • Teaching Labs/Shops: Starting May 1, 2025, methylene chloride is no longer permitted. All containers must be disposed of through hazardous waste pick-ups no later than April 30, 2025. OARS will follow-up again with teaching labs through direct reach-outs to lab managers.
  • Research Labs/Shops: Methylene chloride use is still permitted under the new EPA ruling as a laboratory chemical: “Industrial and Commercial Use as a Laboratory Chemical.”  This includes using Methylene Chloride in specialized laboratory operations as well as use as a solvent, reagent, analytical standard, or other experimental use.
  • Eliminate or Substitute: While still permitted as a laboratory chemical, research labs/shops should be seeking ways to eliminate or substitute methylene chloride with less hazardous alternatives.
  • What if there are no viable alternatives? If a research lab/shop has determined methylene chloride use to be essential, OARS (and our Certified Industrial Hygienist consultant) will partner with you to perform baseline exposure monitoring and develop an Exposure Control Plan.

What are the next steps for Research Labs/Shops?

 It is strongly recommended that Principal Investigators, Supervisors, and Lab Managers consider elimination or substitution wherever possible, and that any use in their lab/shop is an essential need.

After reviewing your group’s chemical inventory and uses of methylene chloride, click the button below to describe your plans and necessary action required to comply with the new regulation.

Your response is not optional, ALL Northeastern laboratories and shops must comply with the new regulation. Essentials needs will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

In this initial survey, you will select:

  • Not Applicable: I have reviewed my chemical inventory, and my lab does not use methylene chloride. (Note: if future needs change, compliance with the WCPP is required.)
  • Eliminate: I no longer need methylene chloride for my lab/shop. My group will dispose of all methylene chloride containers and will prohibit use of methylene chloride moving forward. (Note: if future needs change, compliance with the WCPP is required.)
  • Substitute: I have identified less hazardous alternatives to methylene chloride in my lab/shop. My group will dispose of all methylene chloride containers and will prohibit use of methylene chloride moving forward. (Note: if future needs change, compliance with the WCPP is required.)
  • Essential Need: No less hazardous substitutes exist, and I have essential uses of methylene chloride in my lab/shop. My group will need an Exposure Control Plan. (Note: any new or modified uses require evaluation and update to the Exposure Control Plan.)

Want to learn more about substitution?

Below are several resources to help you evaluate potential chemicals and solvent systems to use as alternatives to methylene chloride. We would love to hear your success stories in finding a less hazardous substitute – please reach out to OARS and we will share with the community!

Related Resources

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