• Methylene chloride is a solvent used in industries such as paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, adhesives manufacturing, polyurethane foam production, and more.
• OSHA considers methylene chloride to be a potential occupational carcinogen.

Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Methylene chloride is a solvent used in various industrial processes in many different industries: paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint remover manufacturing, metal cleaning and degreasing, adhesives manufacturing and use, polyurethane foam production, film base manufacturing, polycarbonate resin production, and solvent distribution and formulation.

The predominant means of exposure is inhalation and skin exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers methylene chloride to be a potential occupational carcinogen. Short-term exposures to high concentrations may cause mental confusion, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Continued exposure may also cause eye and respiratory tract irritation. Exposure to methylene chloride may make symptoms of angina more severe. Skin exposure to liquid methylene chloride may cause irritation or chemical burns.

The methylene chloride standard at 1910.1052 covers all occupational exposures to methylene chloride in all workplaces in general industry, shipyard employment, and construction.