Dichloromethane Safety Advisory
Background
On May 8, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for Methylene Chloride, also known as Dichloromethane (DCM). This regulation went into effect on July 8, 2024, and updated the code of Federal Regulations at 40 CFR Part 751, subpart B. The EPA has determined that the use of DCM presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health due to acute human lethality. This is based on the assessment for methylene chloride issued by the EPA in 2020 pursuant to TSCA section 6(b). The details of the EPA’s unreasonable risk determination were finalized in November 2022.
While this rule does not ban the use and handling of DCM in research laboratories, it does place DCM on the EPA's regulatory list. Laboratory handling is permitted only when covered by a compliant Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP). We are also required to conduct initial monitoring to determine the level of exposure.
Timeline
| Required Actions | EPA Timeline | Target Dates for ORS |
|---|---|---|
| Initial review Via CEMS | NA | September 2024- October 2024 |
| EHS Conducts Initial monitoring | May 5, 2025 | March 2025 |
| EHS Determines PPE and Provides Training | August 1, 2025 (or within 3 months of results) | August 2025 |
| Lab safety plan Updates Chemical Hygiene Plan with required workplace chemical protection plan Inclusion | October 30, 2025 | October 2025 |
Table 1: DCM Compliance Timeline | ||
EHS Needs Your Help to Ensure Compliance with EPA and OSHA
- If your lab has DCM that is no longer in use, please have the DCM removed as hazardous waste. Please remove the DCM from the lab’s chemical inventory in CEMS to reflect its disposal.
- If the lab is using DCM for applications prohibited by the TSCA final rule (e.g., paint, paint strippers in arts, coating removers, metal aerosols, and aerosol degreasing applications), this use is no longer allowed for these applications. Please have the DCM removed from the lab and taken to the wasteroom. Refer to this guide for examples of products containing DCM. Please note that the use of DCM in facilities for non-laboratory purposes is prohibited unless the use is specifically exempted by the EPA Final Rule.
If your lab is using DCM or plans on future use, email EHS at ehs@kent.edu indicating that your wish to use DCM in your lab. This information will then be used to develop a plan that complies with the new EPA regulations and does not affect your work.
- If your lab is interested in substituting another solvent for DCM, please refer to Table 2 and/or contact EHS with any additional questions/concerns.
EHS will work with labs using DCM to develop a WCPP (Workplace Chemical Protection Program) document in order to comply with the new EPA regulations.
| Application | Alternative Solvent(s) for DCM | References |
|---|---|---|
| Extractions or Chromatography | Ethyl Acetate, Heptane, Toluene, 2-MeTHF, Methyl tert-butyl ether | |
| Peptide Synthesis | 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2-Me-THF) | |
| Other | Selected Solvents | |
Table 2: Alternatives to DCM in research laboratories | ||