SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a SafeGuardS to inform stakeholders that the US intends to expand its prohibition on methylene chloride (aka dichloromethane (DCM)) in consumer goods beyond paint strippers.
On May 3, 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal that, if accepted, would:
Prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing and distribution of DCM for all consumer use. This covers, but is not limited to:
– Adhesives and sealants
– Adhesive and caulk removers
– Anti-spatter welding aerosols
– Arts, crafts, and hobby materials in crafting glue
– Automotive care products (functional fluids for air conditioners, and degreasers)
– Brush cleaners for paints and coatings
– Carbon removers and other brush cleaners
– Lubricants and grease
– Metal degreasers
– Solvent in aerosol degreasers/cleaners
Prohibits most industrial and commerce uses, including:
– Adhesives, caulks and sealants
– Adhesive and caulk removers
– Aerosol degreasers and cleaners, and non-aerosol degreasers and cleaners
– Anti-splatter welding aerosols
– Apparel and footwear care products
– Automotive care products (functional fluids for air conditions, interior car care and degreasers)
– Carbon removers, wood floor and brush cleaners
– Electrical equipment, appliances, components, plastic and rubber products, and cellulose triacetate films
– Finishing products for fabrics, textiles and leather
– Liquid lubricants and grease
– Lithographic printing plate cleaners
– Metal aerosol degreasers and non-aerosol degreasers
– Paints and coatings and their removers (including furniture refinishers)
– Propellants and blowing agents
– Solvent for batch vapor degreasing, in-line vapor degreasing, cold cleaning and aerosol spray degreasers/cleaners
– Solvent that becomes part of a formulation or mixture
– Spot removers for apparel and textiles
– Toys, playground and sporting equipment
The proposal also includes requirements for a workplace chemical protection program (WCPP), recordkeeping and downstream notifications.
Stakeholders are advised to review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 056.23 to learn more, including details of exemptions for certain National Aeronautics and Space Administrative (NASA) missions and civilian aviation.
DCM was prohibited in paint and coating removal products under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 2019. If accepted, the new proposal will amend 40 CFR 751 ‘Regulation of certain chemical substances and mixtures under section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act’. It will be implemented in phases, starting 90 days after the date of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register.
SGS Chemical TestingSGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US EPA Proposes to Ban Methylene Chloride SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Melanie Schubert
Senior Technical Manager
Tel: +1 312 414 9394
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/cp
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
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