August 08, 2022
Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is requesting public comment on a draft revised final risk evaluation that states methylene chloride, as a whole chemical substance, poses “unreasonable risk” to workers under certain conditions.
According to a notice published in the July 5 Federal Register, methylene chloride – frequently used for bathtub refinishing – is among the first 10 chemicals under evaluation for potential health and environmental risks under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.
In a June 2020 final risk evaluation, EPA found that methylene chloride poses unreasonable risk to workers involved in various operations, including:
- Plastic and rubber manufacturing
- Electrical equipment, appliance and component manufacturing
- Oil and gas drilling, extraction and support activities