Methylene Chloride Use at UNMC

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published a new rule for methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane or DCM, to enhance worker safety and public and environmental protection.

The New Rule

In April 2024, the EPA finalized prohibitions and workplace protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act 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.  Learn more about the EPA’s risk evaluation of methylene chloride.

Timeline

• 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 Oct. 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, except in allowed uses.

Actions

UNMC primary investigators, departments and units that use or possess methylene chloride must take the following actions.

• Check workspaces and chemical inventories to determine if methylene chloride is present.
• Contact 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 Fact Sheet
  • Request a Chemical Waste Pick-up

Methylene Chloride Use Requirements

If it is not possible to eliminate or substitute methylene chloride and your use is allowed, the following requirements will need to be met:

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

Replacements for Methylene Chloride

Laboratories

UNMC laboratories may use the following resources to find replacements for methylene chloride products:

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

Facilities, Shops and other Non-Laboratory Locations

After April 28, 2026, industrial or commercial use of methylene chloride, including any products containing methylene chloride, will be prohibited. UNMC Facilities and shops can use the following resources to find replacements for products containing methylene chloride.

• 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.