EPA Proposes Extended Timeline for Methylene Chloride Compliance in Laboratories

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule that would give non-federal laboratories more time to comply with the 2024 risk management requirements for methylene chloride (also known as Dichloromethane, DCM, or MEC). These requirements stem from the 2024 TSCA Final Rule that banned most uses of this hazardous solvent due to its serious health risks, including neurotoxicity and cancer.

Background

The final rule was published in May 2024 and became effective on July 8, 2024. Under this rule, most consumer and industrial uses of methylene chloride are now prohibited, with compliance deadlines beginning as early as February 3, 2025, depending on the type of use.

However, laboratories were given a conditional exemption which allowed both federal and non-federal labs to continue using methylene chloride, but only if they implemented a full Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP). The WCPP includes exposure monitoring, regulated work zones, protective equipment, and detailed exposure control plans.

Non-federal labs, especially those in academic and government settings, raised concerns about meeting the aggressive 2025 deadlines due to staffing, budgeting, and operational difficulties. In response, EPA is proposing to extend the compliance timeline by up to 18 months, aligning it more closely with deadlines set for federal laboratories.

Proposed New Deadlines

Even if the rule is implemented, EPA is encouraging labs not to delay preparations. The Agency has stated that enforcement of the original deadlines will be a low priority, but they still have the authority to step in if unsafe conditions are observed.

Public Comment Period

If your facility anticipates compliance challenges, now’s the time to weigh in. Public comments on the rule are being accepted until June 26, 2025.

If you have input that you would like to share regarding this new rule, the EPA is accepting comments via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0465.

How Walden Can Help

Although EPA is proposing an extension, the original compliance deadline for exposure monitoring (May 5, 2025) technically still applies (for now). While enforcement is expected to be a low priority unless there’s an immediate risk, facilities should still be actively working toward compliance.

If methylene chloride is used at your site, Walden can support you with:

• Exposure monitoring
• Employee training
• Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) development
• Chemical inventory
• Hazard assessment
• And more!

Our team is tracking these regulatory changes closely and can help you take practical, defensible steps to stay ahead. Contact us today at 860-846-4069 to discuss how we can support your compliance needs.