EPA Issues Compliance Guide for Methylene Chloride Risk Management Rule

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a compliance guide for the 2024 methylene chloride risk management rule issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The compliance guide will help industry, workers and other interested stakeholders understand and comply with the new regulations to prevent injuries, long-term illnesses and deaths.

In April 2024, EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a dangerous chemical known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death. This regulation will protect people from health risks while allowing key uses to continue safely with a robust Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP). The regulation went into effect on July 8, 2024.

The compliance guide helps entities understand the rule’s requirements and their responsibilities under the rule. For example, the guide provides detailed information on prohibitions in the rule and associated compliance timeframes, as well as information on the WCPP, recordkeeping requirements, downstream notifications, and other requirements applicable to those few entities that may continue use of methylene chloride with strict workplace controls.

The compliance guide is useful for entities that manufacture (including import), process, distribute in commerce, use, or dispose of methylene chloride or products containing methylene chloride. This includes the use of methylene chloride in laboratory settings. The compliance guide includes special attention to the interests and needs of small businesses.

Potentially exposed persons, such as workers and others in the workplace, may also want to refer to the compliance guide to understand the risks from methylene chloride exposure and protections that are required in the workplace. The guide will also be beneficial to consumers, community members, or anyone else that may be affected by exposure to methylene chloride.

Additionally, in June 2024, EPA released a fact sheet on the rule containing information on who is subject to the rule along with a summary of compliance timelines.

Learn more about the regulation of methylene chloride under TSCA.