EPA proposes ban on most uses of dichloromethane
New rules would prohibit all consumer uses and most industrial uses of the chemical, and to regulate its use in the lab
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to ban most uses of dichloromethane (methylene chloride) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (Tsca) that governs US chemical policy. Dichloromethane is a widely used laboratory solvent that is used in a wide range of products like adhesives, sealants, degreasers and paint strippers. It’s the second substance, following asbestos last year, to undergo risk management under the reformed Tsca process created in 2016.
The EPA’s proposal would prohibit manufacturing, processing and distribution of dichloromethane for all consumer uses, ban most industrial and commercial uses, and create strict workplace controls for the remaining uses.