IPC Evaluating Potential Impact of New U.S. EPA Rule on Methylene Chloride
Key Summary
• EPA finalized a TSCA risk management rule banning most commercial, industrial, and all consumer uses of methylene chloride
• Some applications may continue but must follow strict Workplace Chemical Protection Program requirements
• Electronics manufacturing is directly affected due to restrictions on equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing uses
• EPA will allow time-limited exemptions only for critical uses with no feasible safer alternatives
• IPC is evaluating industry impacts and directing members to EPA’s June 4 webinar for implementation details
The U.S. EPA recently finalized a risk management rule for methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule seeks to ban all consumer and most commercial and industrial uses of methylene chloride, including uses in electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing. The applications that EPA is allowing to continue will be subject to new mandates under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program. IPC is currently working to understand the potential impacts of this rule on the electronics manufacturing industry. To provide an overview of the EPA’s final regulatory action and implementation timeframes, the EPA is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM EDT. IPC members are encouraged to read the final rule and register for the webinar to learn more about this important change. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
It bans all consumer uses and most commercial and industrial uses of methylene chloride while imposing new safety mandates on any uses that remain allowed.
Because EPA’s restrictions apply to uses in electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing, which may disrupt existing processes.
Yes, but only under strict Workplace Chemical Protection Program requirements or through limited exemptions for essential uses without viable alternatives.
To explain the final rule, timelines, remaining allowed uses, and employer obligations under the new regulatory framework.
IPC is reviewing the rule’s implications for electronics manufacturing and encouraging members to read the final rule and attend the EPA webinar.