In response to the EPA's new methylene chloride regulation, the Princeton University Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is working with labs to ensure compliance with the stringent workplace protections outlined by the EPA. These include exposure monitoring and the development of a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP).

To align with these new requirements, EHS requests that laboratories take the following actions:

1. Disposal of Methylene Chloride:
   • Laboratories not actively using methylene chloride should dispose of any existing methylene chloride or reagents containing 1% or more methylene chloride via a hazardous waste pickup request.
2. Consultation Requests:
   • Laboratories considering future work involving methylene chloride or seeking alternatives for current operations should request a consultation with EHS by emailing [email protected].
3. Survey Submission:
   • Laboratories currently using methylene chloride or reagents containing 1% or more methylene chloride must submit an EHS survey to capture information on lab operations and schedule follow-up for protocol development and exposure assessment. The survey can be accessed here. 
4. Particularly Hazardous Substance (PHS) Use Approval:
   • Laboratories without an approved PHS Use Approval issued after 2020 should prepare a PHS Use Approval (using the updated 2025 PHS form) and provide written lab-specific procedures. The target submission date for PHS Use Approval forms and supporting documents is May 1, 2025, for inclusion in initial reviews and exposure assessments.

Surveys should be submitted by April 1, 2025, for inclusion in initial reviews and exposure assessments. Laboratories that do not submit a survey are expected to cease use and dispose of any methylene chloride before May 5, 2025.

EHS will review and assist in developing existing protocols to ensure they meet the more stringent EPA exposure limits. EHS will schedule time with laboratories to conduct initial exposure monitoring for operations using methylene chloride and prepare documents to meet EPA record-keeping requirements. The target date for initial monitoring is May 5, 2025.

EHS will continue to work with laboratories after initial monitoring to refine use in locations not yet within EPA exposure limits and develop Workplace Chemical Protection Plans to meet the EPA deadline of October 30, 2025.

For more information on the EPA requirements for methylene chloride use in research areas, visit this link. Additional information on other chemicals under consideration by the EPA for use restriction can be found on our EPA TSCA High Priority Chemicals page.