Methylene Chloride Use

New Regulations for Methylene Chloride – Dichloromethane (DCM)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new rule for methylene chloride (dichloromethane or DCM), to enhance worker safety and public and environmental protection. Below is information about the new regulation and an outline of the required timelines and actions to comply with the new regulation.

The New Rule
In April 2024, EPA finalized prohibitions and workplace protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for methylene chloride to protect human health. The rule requires more stringent workplace safety protections.
Many uses of methylene chloride, such as paint stripping, degreasing, and adhesive removal, will be prohibited under the new rules. Specific uses of methylene chloride will be allowed with more stringent worker protections, including an exposure control plan and exposure monitoring to protect workers 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.  More information about the EPA’s risk evaluation of methylene chloride can be found on the EPA's website.

Timeline

Actions

UNMC Primary Investigators (PIs), departments, and units that either use or possess methylene chloride must take the following actions.

Replacements for Methylene Chloride

Laboratories:
UNMC laboratories can use the following resources to find replacements for methylene chloride products.

Facilities, Shops, and other Non-Laboratory Locations:
After April 28, 2026, industrial or commercial use of methylene chloride, including any products containing methylene chloride, will be prohibited. UNMC Facilities and shops can use the following resources to find replacements for products containing methylene chloride. Use Requirements
If it is not possible to eliminate or substitute methylene chloride and your use is allowed, the following requirements will need to be met:

Templates 

Methylene Chlroide Exposure Control Plan

Methylene Chloride Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Please contact UNMC EHS with questions.


Additional Resources
EPA Final Risk Management Rule for Methylene Chloride
EPA Guide to Complying with the 2024 Methylene Chloride Regulations Under TSCA
EPA Fact Sheet: 2024 Final Risk Management Rule for Methylene Chloride under TSCA
EPA Risk Management for Methylene Chloride Overview
OSHA Methylene Chloride Standard
OSHA Methylene Chloride Overview