New EPA Rules - Chemical Bans
In 2024, the EPA published new rules prohibiting most uses of Methylene Chloride (MC), Tetrachloroethylene, and Trichloroethylene (TCE).Ìý Although MC is still permitted in academic and research laboratories, users must comply with strict rules that require exposure monitoring (funded by the college/researcher), training, PPE, SOPs, and an Exposure Control Plan (ECP).Ìý
It is strongly recommended that academic and research labs eliminate or substitute MC because the added cost and difficulty of compliance will be a significant burden on colleges/researchers.Ìý
Minimum requirements for laboratory continued use of Methylene Chloride after May 5, 2025
- : 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) or Ethyl acetate
- Ethyl acetate, Heptane, Toluene, 2-MeTHF, Methyl tert-butyl ether
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: Cyclopentyl methyl ether, or mixtures like dimethyl carbonate and methanol or ethyl acetate and isopropanol; can use reverse phase chromatography instead
eluents and mixtures with heptanes, methyl tert-butyl ether, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and isopropanol for separations involving neutral, acidic, and basic compounds
Replacements in Reactions: for Dess-Martin/Swern, Sakurai, Friedel-Crafts, and Diels-Alder reactions; 2-methyltetrahydrofuran for ; dimethyl carbonate for - Other alternatives identified, including non-lab use.Ìý
Below are some helpful compliance resources.