EPA Proposes Ban on Most Uses of Methylene Chloride
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the latest action to protect public health under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), proposing a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a chemical known to cause serious health risks and even death. The chemical can affect not only those who work directly with it, but also workers nearby who are not in direct contact with the chemical, consumers, those close to consumers, and neighborhoods close to factories where the chemical is being used.
“The science on methylene chloride is clear, exposure can lead to severe health impacts and even death, a reality for far too many families who have lost loved ones due to acute poisoning,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why EPA is taking action, proposing to ban most uses of this chemical and reduce exposures in all other scenarios by implementing more stringent workplace controls to protect worker health. This historic proposed ban demonstrates significant progress in our work to implement new chemical safety protections and take long-overdue actions to better protect public health.”