Summary of the new Methylene Chloride regulation and how it affects ISU:
Methylene chloride (dichloromethane or DCM) is a volatile chemical solvent that has been used in a variety of consumer and commercial applications. Many departments at ISU use methylene chloride or products that contain it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the use of methylene chloride poses an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment, and has regulated methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This new regulation includes a phase out of its use in consumer and commercial products, and strict regulation of its use in very limited, approved situations. To comply with these new regulations and protect the health of our campus community, ISU will be phasing out its use in almost all activities.
Health hazards include short term (acute) effects such as dizziness, and can result in sudden loss of consciousness or death. Longer term (chronic) exposure to lower levels can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver damage, and cancer.
Methylene chloride is a common solvent used in laboratories at ISU. It has also been used in a variety of consumer and commercial applications including adhesives, paint and coating products, pharmaceuticals, metal cleaning, chemical processing, and aerosols. Although its use has already been phased out in most of these applications, some of these products are likely to still be present in a variety of work areas on campus.
The EPA is requiring substitution or elimination of methylene chloride in almost all situations. Areas that use methylene chloride or might have products that contain methylene chloride should start working now to identify items for disposal and plan to begin using suitable alternatives or substitutes wherever possible. Use in any activities that could involve possible exposure to students should be discontinued. Items must be located and disposed of before May 5, 2025. Methylene chloride and products that contain it must be handled as hazardous waste. To submit a hazardous waste pick-up request please click on the link here.
The EPA has defined strict and specific conditions for continued use of methylene chloride after May 5, 2025. You will need to coordinate with EHSS to determine if your use of methylene chloride meets the limited conditions for approved use (determined by the EPA) as soon as possible, but no later than December 31, 2024. Continued use will require initial and periodic monitoring by EHSS, development and implementation of exposure control plans, and creation of designated use areas for methylene chloride.
Please contact EHSS at 208-282-2310 if you need assistance or have questions or concerns.