In September 2024, we shared important updates regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new regulations on methylene chloride (MeCl2), a volatile solvent used in industries like paint stripping, plastics processing, and solvent production. With the new, stricter exposure limits coming into effect in 2025, businesses are facing significant changes in how they must handle MeCl2. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your company is fully prepared.
Key Update: New 2 PPM Exposure Limit by May 5, 2025
The most significant change from the EPA’s regulation is the reduction of the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) limit for MeCl2 exposure from the previous OSHA limit of 25 parts per million (PPM) down to 2 PPM. This new limit, effective by May 5, 2025, is more than 10 times lower than OSHA’s current standard. To meet the new EPA requirements, monitoring must demonstrate compliance with this 2 PPM limit, significantly changing how industries handle methylene chloride exposure.
In addition, the EPA also introduced a Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 16 PPM, a significant reduction from OSHA’s STEL of 125 PPM.
What Does This Mean for Your Operations?
To comply with the new 2 PPM limit, employers must ensure air sampling is done correctly. The EPA recommends collecting at least 2.5 liters of air during an 8-hour shift. SGS is equipped to meet these requirements using NIOSH 1005, a validated method for MeCl2 air monitoring. For short-term exposure, we sample at 0.01 LPM for 15 minutes to ensure compliance with the 16 PPM STEL.
A Guide to Complying with the 2024 Methylene Chloride Regulation (TSCA)
The EPA has outlined detailed compliance steps in their official guide, A Guide to Complying with the 2024 Methylene Chloride Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Here’s a snapshot of the key regulatory requirements you need to follow, specifically related to exposure monitoring (see Table 3).
How SGS Can Help
The reduction in exposure limits represents a significant challenge for industries using MeCl2, but SGS is here to help. Our expertise in NIOSH 1005 and decades of experience in occupational air monitoring means we are well-equipped to ensure that your operations meet the new 2 PPM exposure limit. We can guide you through the necessary steps to conduct proper air sampling and interpret the results for compliance.
Key Takeaways:
- New Exposure Limit: The EPA’s 2 PPM TWA limit for methylene chloride must be met by May 5, 2025.
- New STEL: The 16 PPM Short-Term Exposure Limit is part of the updated regulation.
- Air Sampling: To meet the 2 PPM TWA, at least 2.5 liters of air must be collected over 8 hours.
SGS is ready to support your business with precise air monitoring and compliance strategies to ensure you meet the new EPA requirements.
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