WASHINGTON (April 20, 2023) – The American Chemical Council (ACC) today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to limit the use of dichloromethane:
       “Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) is an important compound used to make many of the products and goods we depend on every day.
       ”ACC is concerned that the proposed rule will introduce regulatory uncertainty and confuse existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exposure limits for methylene chloride. For this particular chemical, EPA has not yet determined additional independent workplace exposure limits in addition to specified.
       ”Additionally, we are concerned that the EPA has not yet fully assessed the impact of its proposals on the supply chain. Most of these changes will be fully implemented within 15 months and will mean a ban on approximately 52% of annual production for affected industries”, On the website The EPA states that the end use is related to TSCA.
       “These side effects can affect critical uses, including the drug supply chain and specific safety-important, corrosion-sensitive critical applications identified by the EPA. EPA must carefully and carefully evaluate these unintended but potentially serious consequences.
       ”If occupational exposures that pose unreasonable risks can be properly controlled with robust workplace safety programs, these are the best regulatory options that EPA should reconsider.”
        The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents leading companies involved in the multi-billion dollar chemical business. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to create innovative products, technologies and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improving environmental, health, safety and security performance through Responsible Care®, a common sense advocacy focused on major public policy issues, as well as health and environmental research and product testing. ACC members and chemical companies are among the largest investors in research and development, and they are promoting products, processes and technologies to combat climate change, improve air and water quality, and move towards a more sustainable circular economy.
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