Methylene chloride (aka methylene bichloride or DCM - dichloromethane) has been classified as a hazard to society and exposure can cause illnesses such as liver disease and cancer. It is the first of 24 chemicals expected to be banned in the coming years, part of the Toxic Substance Control Act amendment of 2016.
As a result of a recent Environmental Protection Agency regulation, there is now a complete ban on using methylene chloride in non-laboratory settings, particularly in products like paint strippers, adhesives, degreasers and paints. Non-laboratory and art studio teams must dispose of methylene chloride through the Case Western Reserve University Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) hazardous waste disposal system. Methylene chloride use is still permitted in lab settings under new stringent guidelines to ensure safety.
Case Western Reserve University laboratory leaders who wish to continue the use of methylene chloride need to do the following:
- Complete the Regulated Chemicals Inventory form and return it to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety by
- Establish a workplace chemical protection program by May 5, 2025. This program will encompass training, exposure monitoring, record-keeping and engineering and personal protective equipment control measures, with full implementation required by May 5. This is a new safety plan and is not based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Chemical Hygiene Plan already established in Case Western Reserve laboratories. The Environmental Health and Safety team will guide teams in creating and implementing the new plan.
- Begin exposure monitoring: Initial exposure monitoring must be established by May 5, 2025, with subsequent monitoring every five years, or more frequently if exposure levels exceed EPA thresholds. Case Western Reserve’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety will evaluate lab use through exposure monitoring. Using methylene chloride outside of a fume hood is now prohibited.
Case Western Reserve University laboratories with an inventory of methylene chloride that no longer have a use for it can arrange for removal through the CWRU Hazardous Waste Program. This prompt disposal is essential to comply with the new regulations.
Case Western Reserve departments and units that are not laboratory settings must inspect cleaning and art-related supplies for methylene chloride. All methylene chloride-containing products must be removed through the CWRU Hazardous Waste Program, which can be arranged at no charge by contacting the CWRU Environmental Health and Safety offices.
- Methylene chloride can only be used in a fume hood in laboratory settings; all other uses are prohibited.
- Consider if the continued use of methylene chloride is critical to research given the stringent requirements. Disposal and transition to safer alternatives might be a more feasible option.
- Look for alternatives. Some usages such as column chromatography may be possible with other solvents such as ethyl acetate/hexane mixtures. If possible substitute these materials and consider divesting the usage of methylene chloride. Use of methylene chloride outside a fume hood will not be permitted.
Thank you for complying with the EPA ban on methylene chloride and ensuring a safe environment. Please prioritize reviewing and updating your practices accordingly.