The facts on Dichloromethane

This factsheet is under development. Only limited information is available.

Did you know that an employer has some general duties in order to guarantee your safety and well-being at work and some very specific duties to minimise your exposure against cancer-causing agents? Know your rights and duties.

Possible substitutions

Benzene and dichloromethane. Extraction of aromas, perfumes and essential oils - FAS 4 (FR)

Coating removal without dichloromethane (DCM)

EASCR is the European Association for Safe Coatings Removal. EASCR represents the interest of producers of innovative products for safer coatings removal. Up until the formation of the association, the views and aspirations of the ‘alternative’ coatings removal industry (introducing dichloromethane free products) were not represented in Europe. Problem and...

Different ways to phase out halocarbons like dichloromethane in various applications

This document describes how a large portion of the halocarbons used and manufactured in Sweden were phased out during the late 1980´s and early 1990´s. Several specific examples are mentioned concerning what chemicals were substituted and what the alternatives were. The chemicals discussed are mainly: dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, 1,1,2-Dichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane and 1,1,1-trichloroethane.

Possible measures

Advice for Managers - DCM0 (EN)

Measure type: Organizational

Read more. (External link)

Basic training module 'Chemicals Hazards at the Workplace'

...

Measure type: Organizational

Breathe Freely at Work

Breathe Freely is a British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) initiative that focuses on mitigating occupational lung diseases. These conditions lead to severe health impairments and are responsible for approximately 13,000...

Measure type: Organizational

Brushing or spraying of adhesives and paint strippers at permanent industrial workplaces - DCM1 (EN)

Measure type: Personal protection, Technical

Read more. (External link)

Brushing or spraying of adhesives and paint strippers at transient workplaces - DCM (EN)

Measure type: Personal protection, Technical

Read more. (External link)

Chemical risk mapping in six sectors

The IAPRL of Asturias (SPAIN) has published a detailed study of CMR in the format of chemical risk maps of six sectors: Chemical and steel manufacturing Healthcare Cleaning services Hairdressing...

Measure type: Organizational

Creating Control Guidance Sheets (CGSs)

Control Guidance Sheets (CGSs) are essential tools designed to help employers manage and mitigate the risks associated with exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace. These documents serve as practical...

Measure type: Organizational

Dry Disconnect Couplers used for unloading hazardous material from road bulks and minibulks / IBC containers

A solution for carcinogenic transportation At the Rohm & Haas Italia Mozzanica plant, transfer of carcinogenic material from road bulks is done via dry disconnect coupler that are designed to...

Measure type: Organizational, Personal protection, Technical

EU‑OSHA Dangerous Substances e‑tool

The EU‑OSHA Dangerous Substances e‑tool is an interactive online tool that helps employers and occupational safety and health professionals identify and reduce risks from dangerous substances and chemical products in...

Measure type: Organizational, Substitution

Managing the risks of carcinogens in the workplace through an educational game

True to the motto ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ it is necessary to start with integrating activities that raise awareness in primary schools and in vocational educational...

Measure type: Organizational

Metalworking - FAR 1 (FR)

Measure type: Organizational, Personal protection, Technical

Read more. (External link)

Scanner of substances Facilicom

In order to get the right information to employees that work on location, this facilities and technical services provider developed the Stoffenscanner (scanner of substances). It provides technical specialists access...

Measure type: Organizational

Self-assessment tool for working with hazardous substances

Employers are often motivated to minimise the exposure of their employees to hazardous substances, but often don’t know where to start. Therefore, the Dutch Labour Inspectorate has developed an assessment...

Measure type: Organizational, Technical

Short videos on carcinogenic substances and hygiene in the workplace

The Austrian Workers’ Compensation Board (AUVA) has translated two of their short instructional videos on carcinogenic substances and hygiene in the workplace to English. This way, other countries and organisations...

Measure type: Organizational, Personal protection, Technical

Stripping surface coatings from alloy wheels at permanent industrial workplaces - DCM3 (EN)

Measure type: Personal protection, Technical

Read more. (External link)

Substituting 2,2'-dichloro-4,4'-methylenedianiline (MOCA) in polyurethanes manufacturing

One of the goals of the European REACH regulation is the progressive replacement of substances of very high concern (e.g. carcinogens) by safer alternatives. Companies that use these substances, actively...

Measure type: Substitution, Personal protection

The LICARA Innovation Scan

Innovative Materials: Risks and Solutions Innovative materials and products often contain (novel) substances which can provide remarkable functionalities and performance but their potential risks to the human health and environment...

Measure type: Organizational, Technical

The Occupational Hygiene Risk Management (OHRM) tool and guidance

Setting and problem In the ideal world, hazardous or dangerous substances should not be used at work. However, it is the combination of hazard and exposure that determines the final...

Measure type: Organizational

The TRAAC framework for Nanomaterials Risk Assessment and Mitigation Tools

Despite significant efforts on the development of innovative tools and methods for the assessment and management of the potential risk posed by the nanomaterials to the humans and environment, they...

Measure type: Organizational, Technical

Use of 1,2 dichloroethane (EDC) in strictly controlled conditions

Dow uses EDC as a sulphonation agent of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer beads in the production of resins. EDC does not take part in the reaction, but it is only facilitating the chemical...

Measure type: Organizational, Technical

Work environment carcinogens: what should an employee know?

The Estonian National Institute for Health Development published this guide about carcinogens in different work environments and work areas. What are possible effects of working with carcinogens, which measures should...

Measure type: Personal protection, Substitution, Technical

Working towards a toxic free environment - ChemSec

ChemSec, the International Chemical Secretariat, is a non-profit organization dedicated to work towards a toxic free environment. ChemSec strives to bridge the gap between decision-makers, industry, NGOs and scientists. Setting...

Measure type: Organizational

Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.

Occupations involved

Biotechnologist

Clinical Research Coordinator

Maintenance Technicians

Pharmaceutical chemist

Pharmaceutical engineer

Pharmacist

Process technicians

Research and development (R&D) engineer and scientist

GESTIS Database

The data pool may be used for the purpose of occupational health and safety or to obtain information on the hazards posed by chemical substances.

Go to GESTIS Substance

General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.

The facts on Dichloromethane

Possible substitutions

Possible measures

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