Contact: Sarah McBride, smcbride@momscleanairforce.org
Sara Klein, sara_klein@dkcnews.com, 631-905-6403
Washington, DC—Today, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced a final rule to address methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which will ban all consumer and most commercial uses. Methylene chloride is an extremely hazardous solvent used in paint strippers, metal cleaners, cement, and other products. In response, Cynthia Palmer, Moms Clean Air Force’s Senior Analyst for Petrochemicals, released the following statement:
“Methylene chloride is a serial killer, responsible for dozens of fatalities from acute exposure over the last couple of decades. Protection from this toxic chemical is long overdue. Scientists have been documenting the dangers for the past half century, yet it has remained on our store shelves and in our workplaces. The health impacts of exposure can be severe: methylene chloride has been linked to cancers, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and even immediate death. Children are especially vulnerable to methylene chloride fumes, which concentrate near the ground (since they are heavier than air) and can linger for hours in bathrooms and other work areas. Safer alternatives are readily available for most uses, and more can be developed.
“EPA’s decision to ban many uses of methylene chloride is a step in the right direction. We are relieved that it will safeguard consumers and families. At the same time, we hoped to see tighter restrictions on commercial and industrial uses. There is more work to be done to protect communities, particularly those living near manufacturing facilities and waste landfills, and many workers, who will continue to face harmful airborne exposure to methylene chloride under the new rule. Moms Clean Air Force has been warning about the hazards of methylene chloride for nearly a decade, and we will continue to advocate for stronger protections for workers and communities.”
BACKGROUND
- Article: Methylene chloride: An unreasonable health risk (2023)
- Article: Deadly chemicals don’t belong on America’s store shelves (2018)