In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to enhance safety measures for methylene chloride usage. These regulations prohibit many common applications, including paint stripping, degreasing, and adhesive removal, while permitting certain uses under stringent safety protocols. The University of Missouri's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department is actively assisting faculty, staff, and researchers in adhering to these updated standards. Departments utilizing methylene chloride must assess their inventories, eliminate or substitute prohibited uses by December 31, 2024, and collaborate with EHS for exposure monitoring and the development of Workplace Chemical Protection Plans for permitted uses. Full compliance is required by April 28, 2026.

For more details, visit the Methylene Chloride webpage.

Updated February 17, 2025