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METHYLENE CHLORIDE
(Dichloromethane)
(CAS NO. 754)9-2)
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Chemicals can be released to the envi-
ronment as a result or their manufacture,
processing, and use. The EPA has de-
veloped information summaries on se-
lected chemicals to describe how you
might be exposed to these chemicals, how
exposure to them might affect you and the
environment, what happens to them in the
environment, who regulates them, and
whom to contact for additional informa-
tion. EPA is committed to reducing en-
vironmental releases of chemicals
through source reduction and other prac-
tices (hat reduce creation of pollutants.
WHAT IS METHYLENE CHLORIDE,
HOW IS IT USED, AND HOW
MIGHT I BE EXPOSED?
Melhylcnc chloride (also called
dichloromelhane) is a colorless, non-
flammable liquid. It does not occur
naturally but is produced in large amounts
(3SO miljion pounds in 1992) by three
companies in the United States. Recent
US production of methylene chloride has
declined (about 10% a year since 1988).
US demand for methylene chloride is
likely to continue to fall. The largest
users of methylene chloride ace compa-
nies (hat make paint strippers. Foam
makers use methylene chloride as a
blowing agent. Other companies use it to
clean metal surfaces. Methylene chloride
can also be added to aerosol sprays or
used to extract unwanted material from
foods and beverages, such as coffee.
Exposure to methylene chloride
can occur in the workplace or in the
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environment following releases lo air, water,
land, or groundwatcr Exposure can also
occur when people use certain aerosol paint
sprays and paint strippers. Mclhylenc chlo-
ride enters the body when breathed in with
contaminated air or when consumed with
contaminated food or water. It can also be
absorbed through skin contact. It is not likely
to remain in the body due to its breakdown
and removal.
WHAT HAPPENS TO METHYLENE
CHLORIDE IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
Methylene chloride evaporates when
exposed to air. It dissolves when mixed with
water. Most direct releases of mcthylcne
chloride to the environment are to air.
Methylene chloride also evaporates from
water and soil exposed to air. Once in air,
methylene chloride breaks down to other
chemicals. Because it is a liquid that does not
bind well to soil, methylene chloride that
makes its way into the ground can move
through the ground and enter groundwater.
Plants and animals arc not likely to store
methylene chloride
HOW DOES METHYLENE CHLORIDE
AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Effects of methylene chloride on
human health and the environment depend on
how much methyicnc chloride is present and
the length and frequency of exposure. Effects
also depend on the health of a person or the
condition of the environment when exposure
occurs.
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Breathing large amounts of
methylcnc chloride for short periods
of time adversely affects the human
nervous system and the heart. Effects
range from unsteadiness and numb-
ness in fingers and toes to uncon-
sciousness and death. The heart has to
work harder, and the blood carries less
oxygen as the body breaks mcthylene
chloride down to carbon monoxide.
Direct contact with methylene chlo-
ride liquid or vapor irritates the skin
and the eyes. These effects are not
likely to occur at levels of methylene
chloride that are normally found in the
envi
Human health effects asso-
ciated with breathing or otherwise
consuming smaller amounts of meth-
ylene chloride over long periods of
time are not known. Laboratory
studies show that repeat exposure to
methylene chloride causes kidney and
liver damage and cancer in animals
that breathe air or drink water con-
taminated with the chemical. Repeat
exposure to methylene chloride may
likewise cause cancer in humans.
Methylene chloride is not
likely to cause environmental harm at
levels normally found in the envi-
ronment. Reactions in air, although
slow, tend to eliminate methylene
chloride before it reaches the upper
atmosphere in amounts sufficient to
damage the ozone layer.
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