Chemical Concepts Addresses EPA MC Ban

Chemical Concepts has been working to keep the industry informed about the rapidly changing regulatory environment for methylene chloride (MC), also known as dichloromethane. There has been much speculation in recent months about a proposed ban and when this might take effect. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule prohibits most industrial and commercial uses of MC, creates strict workplace protections through a Workplace Chemical Protection Program to ensure that for the remaining uses workers will not be harmed by MC use and requires manufacturers (including importers), processors and distributors to notify companies to which MC is shipped of the prohibitions and to maintain records. Some industrial uses have exceptions and will be allowed to continue: use as a processing aid in a closed system; use as a laboratory chemical; use in plastic and rubber manufacturing, including polycarbonate production; and use in solvent welding. Chemical Concepts has created a list of known adhesive products containing MC, is notifying customers of the timeline and advising on inventory levels and supply chain strategy. It is also advising on replacement or substitute products and increasing its inventory of MC and MC-containing adhesives to help manage supply during this transition.