EPA Final Rule – Methylene Chloride – New and Future Uses

U.S. EPA has issued a final rule regulating methylene chloride (also identified as dichloromethane, DCM, CAS# 75-09-2) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

This regulation has been put in place to protect human health due to recognized risks (neurotoxicity and cancer) from inhalation or dermal exposure. For your reference, a two-page fact sheet which includes compliance deadlines is available here: EPA Document Number #740F24001.

At UCF, all possessors of methylene chloride or products containing the solvent will be affected by this regulation.

The first compliance milestone (initial exposure monitoring) is May 5, 2025, or within 30 days of new use for all potentially exposed individuals.

New and Infrequent Use Cases

Recognizing infrequent users may not perform any or all tasks with DCM prior to May 5, 2025, as of that date, EHS has labeled all existing containers of DCM. The QR code on the label has led you to this site.

For these “new” use cases, before starting your experiment(s) and working with DCM, you must schedule Initial Exposure Monitoring with UCF Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). To do so, reach out to EHS Research Safety (ResearchSafety@ucf.edu).

Per the EPA Final Rule, initial monitoring must be completed within 30 days of new use.