Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has launched a guide meant to extend understanding of – and compliance with – its ban on most industrial and business makes use of of methylene chloride.
On April 30, EPA introduced a ultimate rule establishing the ban. The company will part out shopper use of the carcinogenic chemical inside one 12 months and ban most industrial and business makes use of inside two years.
Widely used for bathtub refinishing, in addition to in paint strippers, cleaners, adhesives and sealants, methylene chloride has contributed to the deaths of 88 employees since 1980, EPA states. Most circumstances have stemmed from publicity throughout dwelling renovations. In some cases, employees have been totally outfitted with private protecting tools.
“Being aware of and correctly following the methylene chloride regulation will prevent injuries, long-term illness and, in some cases, death,” the company states.
The ultimate rule creates a office chemical safety program for which employers should measure employees’ preliminary inhalation publicity ranges by May 5, 2025. Then, by Aug. 1, 2025, employers can be required to make sure ranges don’t exceed EPA limits and supply respiratory and/or dermal PPE, if wanted.
Employers additionally should develop and implement an publicity management plan by Oct. 30, 2025.
Periodic monitoring will must be accomplished each three months, six months or 5 years, relying on preliminary publicity ranges.
EPA will proceed to permit numerous “highly industrialized” makes use of of methylene chloride, in addition to these important to nationwide safety and the financial system for which information has proven office security measures are achievable. Uses embody plastic and rubber manufacturing, laboratory chemical makes use of, and manufacturing of sure refrigerants and electrical car components.
