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.

• Before May 5, 2025: UNMC EHS must conduct exposure monitoring for locations where methylene chloride use is allowed and where it cannot be eliminated or substituted.
• Before October 30, 2025: Units allowed to continue using methylene chloride under the new regulations are required to implement an exposure control plan (template below).
• After April 28, 2026: UNMC will be prohibited from industrial or commercial use of methylene chloride and any products containing methylene chloride (exception: allowed uses).

Actions

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

• Check their workspaces and chemical inventories to determine if methylene chloride is present.
• Contact UNMC Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) if you use or possess methylene chloride
• Assess whether the use is allowed or prohibited under the new regulations.
• Eliminate methylene chloride or substitute it for a less hazardous chemical where possible.
  • Elimination or substitution is required for prohibited uses and strongly recommended for allowed uses.
• Remove methylene chloride that is no longer in use from inventories.
  • Chemical Disposal
  • Chemical Waste Pick-up

Replacements for Methylene Chloride

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

• The American Chemical Society (ACS) Green Chemistry Institute Solvent Tool
• The Organic Photonics and Electronics Group (OPEG) Green Solvent Selection Tool
• The Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community Methylene Chloride (DCM) Replacements

• The EPA has evaluated a list of alternative products (Appendix A and B) that can be used to help find replacement products based on the condition of use.

• Before May 5, 2025, contact UNMC EHS to monitor workplace exposure where required.
• PIs or Departments must create and implement a written exposure control plan (ECP).
• Departments must create and implement a written standard operating procedure (SOP).
• Implement engineering controls (e.g., chemical fume hoods) to contain vapors.
• Implement personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., lab coats, gloves, chemical goggles) to help prevent workplace exposure.
• UNMC Methylene Chloride Workplace Chemical Protection Program

Templates 

Methylene Chloride 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