In early 2024, the EPA ruled to prohibit most uses of Methylene Chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
What is Methylene Chloride?
Methylene Chloride is a hazardous chemical used as a laboratory solvent. This chemical has been recently recognized to present an "unreasonable risk of injury to health" by the EPA, resulting in strict regulations under TSCA which includes significantly lowered exposure limits that affect both employed workers and members of the general public.

Where is Methylene Chloride Used?
Methylene Chloride is often used in laboratories as a solvent because of its polarity, aprotic structure, and low boiling point. Common uses include liquid chromatography, extractions, synthesis, and purification. However, it is also a component of many common products, such as adhesive removers. After consumer protections are fully enacted in May 2025, only specifically allowed situations, such as a chemical in a laboratory setting, will be able to use Methylene Chloride. To comply with the TSCA ruling, such permitted use will need to be monitored by EH&S to ensure that no one is exceeding the reduced exposure limits.
Non-laboratory products that may contain Methylene Chloride:
- Paint Strippers and Removers
- Solvent-Based Paints and Coatings
- Adhesives and Adhesive Removers
- Metal Cleaners and Degreasers
- Automotive Products
- Engine Cleaners
- Brake Cleaners
- Lubrication Oil
- Lithography/Printmaking Products
- Heavy-Duty or Specialized Cleaners
Resources
- Federal Register - Methylene Chloride Final Rule
- Methylene Chloride Fact Sheet from the EPA
- Methylene Chloride Compliance Guide from the EPA
- OSU Methylene Chloride SOP Use Template
What do you need to do?
The first steps is to identify whether Methylene Chloride is being used in your spaces (labs or offices).
- If Methylene Chloride is in commercial products ion your space, such as adhesives removers, metal cleaners, or lubricants, please properly dispose of the products and substitute them with a Methylene Chloride-free alternative. These products can be disposed of through EHS, use this form to request a waste pick up for any of these items.
- If Methylene Chloride is in use and the usage falls under an exemption as specified in the regulation, it is highly recommended that various alternatives are considered due to the health risks associated with Methylene Chloride and the potential monitoring requirements for continued usage of the chemical. See below for information about possible alternatives.
- If Methylene Chloride is in use, said usage falls under an exemption (e.g., laboratory use) as specified in the regulation, and the chemical cannot be substituted or eliminated, you MUST notify Environmental Health & Safety staff at 541.737.2273 or email to ensure that the usage is documented and conducted in a manner to reduce exposure to below the new legal limits.
Substitutions for Methylene Chloride
-
Chromatography: A convenient guide to help select replacement solvents for dichloromethane in chromatography - Green Chemistry (RSC Publishing)
-
Organic and Medicinal Chemistry: Chlorinated Solvents: Their Advantages, Disadvantages, and Alternatives in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry | Chemical Reviews (acs.org)
-
Greener Solvents: From sigmaaldrich.com
-
Green Chemistry Tools: Green chemistry tools to influence a medicinal chemistry and research chemistry based organisation - Green Chemistry (RSC Publishing)
Contact Environmental Health and Safety at 541.737.2273 or email for any questions or guidance.