New EPA Regulation for Methylene Chloride Use
Key Takeaways
- Teaching Labs/Shops: Methylene chloride use is no longer permitted.
- Research Labs/Shops: Methylene chloride use requires approval and ongoing exposure monitoring. Research labs/shops with essential needs must contact OARS for further information. It is recommended that research labs/shops seek ways to eliminate or substitute it with less hazardous alternatives.
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: Methylene chloride use 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 requires approval and ongoing exposure monitoring. 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.
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!
Read about the Joy lab’s success story here:
Related Resources
Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary
PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary (LCSS)
Safety Data Sheet
Methylene Chloride Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
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Green chemistry tools to influence a medicinal chemistry and research chemistry based organisation
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Greener Solvent Guide
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Greener Solvent Alternatives
Contact Lab Safety
Email: labsafety@northeastern.edu
Phone: 617.373.2769