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.
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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.
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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A convenient guide to help select replacement solvents for dichloromethane in chromatography
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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 Chromatography Solvents
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Greener Solvent Alternatives
Contact Lab Safety
Email: labsafety@northeastern.edu
Phone: 617.373.2769