Environmental Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, May 28, 2024

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride. The agency describes methylene chloride as a dangerous chemical known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death.

According to the EPA announcement:

Since 1980, at least 88 people have died from acute exposure to methylene chloride, largely workers engaged in bathtub refinishing or other paint stripping, even, in some cases, while fully trained and equipped with personal protective equipment. While EPA banned one consumer use of methylene chloride in 2019, use of the chemical has remained widespread and continues to pose significant and sometimes fatal danger to workers. EPA’s final risk management rule requires companies to rapidly phase down manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses, including its use in home renovations. Consumer use will be phased out within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses will be prohibited within two years.

“To assist industries that currently use methylene chloride, and for those that will be allowed to use it following the ban for most applications, EMSL Analytical offers industrial hygiene and environmental testing for it and many other industrial chemicals,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “We also provide sampling supplies, and carry a wide range of respirators and other personal protective equipment. These resources help to mitigate exposure hazards and support health and safety compliance efforts.”

EMSL Analytical sponsored an educational video about methylene chloride and occupational exposure concerns several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/SDGduHBfEQw

To learn more about methylene chloride testing or other industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health and safety testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.