Methylene Chloride/Dichloromethane (DCM) Safety Program
What is Methylene chloride/Dichloromethane (DCM)?
Methylene chloride (also called dichloromethane or DCM, CAS# 75-09-2) is a volatile chlorinated solvent used in a variety of industries and applications, such as adhesives, paint and coating products, pharmaceuticals, metal cleaning, chemical processing, and aerosols.
Health Risks:
DCM poses serious acute and chronic health risks, including:
- Acute effects: Central nervous system depression, dizziness, headaches, nausea
- Cardiovascular risk: Metabolizes to carbon monoxide, stressing the heart
- Chronic effects: Liver damage, neurological effects, and an increase in blood carboxyhemoglobin.
- Cancer: Probable human carcinogen (IARC Group 2A), animal data showing increases in liver and lung cancer
- Dermal Exposure: Effects can include skin irritation and burns.
New 2024 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations:
In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to mitigate health risks from Methylene chloride exposure, including neurotoxicity and cancer from inhalation and/or dermal exposures. Under this rule, most industrial and commercial uses of DCM, such as paint stripping, degreasing, adhesive removing, etc., are now prohibited. Research laboratory use is permitted ONLY under a comprehensive Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP). All UNM personnel using DCM must comply with the new requirements immediately.
Exposure Limits for DCM:
Required Actions for Laboratory Personnel:
All Laboratory Managers and Principal Investigators are required to review and adhere strictly to the requirements of UNM’s Methylene chloride/ Dichloromethane (DCM) Safety Program, develop their lab-specific Exposure Control Plan (ECP), and train all users of DCM on the hazards, use, emergency response, and decontamination before starting to work with DCM. All work with DCM must be done in a certified chemical fume hood. Areas where DCM is handled or stored should be marked with “Designated Area” signage. Any other personnel authorized or required to be in the laboratory during work must be provided with general chemical safety awareness training.
Exposure Monitoring:
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department will conduct personnel exposure monitoring to evaluate potential exposures and control effectiveness. EHS will continue additional monitoring if exposures exceed the EPA limits and perform periodic assessments to ensure continued compliance.
University of New Mexico (UNM) Safety Commitment:
The University of New Mexico is committed to maintaining excellence in research while ensuring the highest standards of laboratory safety. Our comprehensive Methylene chloride/ Dichloromethane (DCM) Safety Program:
- Meets all EPA and OSHA requirements
- Provides resources and technical support for researchers
- Ensures mandatory training for all DCM users
- Implements engineering and administrative controls
- Promotes safer chemical alternatives where feasible
- Maintains transparent communication across the research community
