EPA Bans Consumer Use of Methylene Chloride Paint Strippers, Allows Some Industrial Uses

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a ban on consumer uses of methylene chloride, a chemical widely used as a paint stripper but known to cause liver cancer and other health problems. The new rule, announced on April 30, 2024, will protect Americans from health risks while allowing certain critical military and industrial uses to continue with robust worker protections.

Methylene chloride has been linked to at least 88 worker deaths since 1980 and can cause a variety of cancers and damage to the nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. "The EPA's action is the second risk management rule finalized under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act, following a ban on asbestos," the agency said in a statement.

While the chemical industry has argued that the risks are overstated, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the new rule will ensure no one in the country is put in harm's way by this dangerous chemical. "Consumer use of methylene chloride will be phased out within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses will be prohibited within two years, with some exceptions for critical military and industrial applications," Regan said.

The EPA is not banning all uses of methylene chloride, such as in the production of refrigerant chemicals, batteries for electric vehicles, and for certain military and federal uses. The ban is estimated to take 50% of methylene chloride off the market, but the agency acknowledges that the protections are "coming too late" for many families who have experienced tragedies related to the chemical's use.

Why this matters: The EPA's action on methylene chloride is a significant step in protecting public health and worker safety from toxic chemicals. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating hazardous substances and balancing their risks and benefits in different applications.

Union leaders and environmental groups have welcomed the new regulations, though some say more can still be done to protect communities living near chemical production and use sites. The EPA said the rule includes a "first-of-its-kind" strong worker chemical protection program, requiring baseline assessments, engineering controls, worker training, and personal protective equipment for the remaining industrial uses of methylene chloride.

Key Takeaways

• EPA bans consumer use of methylene chloride, a toxic paint stripper.
• Methylene chloride linked to 88 worker deaths since 1980 and health risks.
• Ban to take effect within 1-2 years, with exceptions for critical uses.
• EPA action aims to protect public health and worker safety from toxic chemicals.
• Rule includes strong worker protection program for remaining industrial uses.