EPA to Ban Most Uses of Methylene Chloride Including Printing Industry Applications

Using its authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule for methylene chloride that would ban its use for all, but a few applications based on its effect on human health. The new rule would require a relatively quick phaseout of most uses of the solvent. The allowable uses would continue under a strict workplace exposure limit with monitoring and protective-gear mandates that are based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.