EPA Restrictions on Methylene Chloride (DCM)

NOTE: We are currently working on a new way to access EH&S documents that will provide a better online experience. In the interim, for access to the documents below, send an email to ehs@fau.edu or contact a member of the EH&S Team on our Contacts Webpage.

In 2024, the EPA published new rules prohibiting most uses of Methylene Chloride (MC), Tetrachloroethylene, and Trichloroethylene (TCE). Although MC is still permitted in academic and research laboratories, users must comply with strict rules that require exposure monitoring (funded by the college/researcher), training, PPE, SOPs, and an Exposure Control Plan (ECP).

It is strongly recommended that academic and research labs eliminate or substitute MC because the added cost and difficulty of compliance will be a significant burden on colleges/researchers.

Minimum requirements for laboratory continued use of Methylene Chloride after May 5, 2025

1. Contact EH&S with the intent to continue use.

2. Provide EH&S with a Tag# to charge the initial assessment/exposure monitoring.

3. Identify the controlled access location where MC will be authorized for use

4. Complete an Exposure Control Plan

5. Identify and source appropriate PPE

6. Complete training provided by EH&S

List of Methylene Chloride-containing Products

Alternative Chemicals Selection

Review the information in these links for assistance when selecting alternative chemicals.

Lab Safety Institute Free Webinar for DCM Compliance
Peptide Synthesis: 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) or Ethyl acetate
Extractions or Chromatography: Ethyl acetate, Heptane, Toluene, 2-MeTHF, Methyl tert-butyl ether
Methylene Chloride (DCM) Replacements from Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community
Chromatography Separations: Cyclopentyl methyl ether, or mixtures like dimethyl carbonate and methanol or ethyl acetate and isopropanol; can use reverse phase chromatography instead
Green Chromotography Solvent Mixtures: eluents and mixtures with heptanes, methyl tert-butyl ether, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and isopropanol for separations involving neutral, acidic, and basic compounds
Replacements in Reactions: Benzoflouride for Dess-Martin/Swern, Sakurai, Friedel-Crafts, and Diels-Alder reactions; 2-methyltetrahydrofuran for reductive amination; dimethyl carbonate for methylation and carbonylation reactions
Other alternatives identified, including non-lab use.

Below are some helpful compliance resources.

EPA Rule on Methylene Chloride

EPA Chemical Bans - FAQs

Laboratory Safety Institute Free Webinar on New EPA Rule for MC

SOP Template - MC

Exposure Control Plan Template