Technically, the EPA is not banning laboratory use of DCM. They were clear on this when we met with them during the comment period. However, users must develop work plans that meet the EPA use guidelines for monitoring and exposure limits.

Sammye

 

 

From: Aniello Tambasco <aniello.tambasco**At_Symbol_Here**wilkes.edu>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 9:48 AM
To: membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Subject: The use of DCM (Methylene Chloride) concern and regulation changes...

 

Good Afternoon All-

 

   Hope all is well. So, our Procurement director (Now an expert in chemistry) is concerned on the use of DCM because a panel discussion came across an Insurance discussion email. Please see below. I would appreciate any information and what other Institutions are doing. We are following the SDS and other proper protocols (NIOSH exposure limits and skin protection). Also, it is mainly used in our Organic chemistry labs.

 

Kind Regards,

Aniello Tambasco

Lab Manager

Wilkes University

84 W. South St.

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

570-408-3218

 

Hello Everyone,

 

I have a member input request for the group on Methylene Chloride (dichloromethane)-

 

“The EPA will be banning methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and I was wondering if any of the labs currently using it will plan on either requesting use of alternatives (ethyl acetate, MTBE, toluene, 2-MeTHF) or will start to perform testing to ensure there is no over exposures?”

 

Additional reference - Risk Management for Methylene Chloride | US EPA

 

 

Thank you,

 

Hannah Reed 
Risk Consultant

 

 

 

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