Brain Cancer Causing Toxic Methylene Chloride Banned in US

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday banned most uses of methylene chloride to safeguard public health. Methylene chloride is a hazardous chemical linked to various cancers, including brain cancer.

The ban is part of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.

Methylene chloride is known to cause liver, lung, breast, and brain cancers as well as other serious health problems.

This ban order targets various industries and consumer products where methylene chloride is commonly used, such as aerosol degreasers, paint strippers, adhesives, and sealants. Since the 1980s, several deaths linked to methylene chloride exposure pressed for the need for regulatory action. Despite prior restrictions, the chemical’s widespread use posed ongoing risks.

The EPA’s recent order is meant to phase out consumer uses of the chemical within a year and restrict most industrial and commercial applications within two years to shift towards safer alternatives.