OSHA's recent
review
of the agency's Methylene Chloride standard indicates the standard is
succeeding in protecting workers from the effects of methylene chloride
exposure such as respiratory and central nervous system failure and
cancer.
The review clearly showed that the standard has been effective in
saving lives. The study estimates that each year the standard protects
as many as 30,000 to 54,000 workers from damage to their respiratory
and nervous systems and prevents approximately 34 deaths from cancer
and other illnesses caused by methylene chloride exposure. The agency
concluded that these estimates resulted from the lowered permissible
exposure limit required in the final methylene chloride standard
published in January 1997. This standard's success reflects the overall
importance of OSHA standards in protecting workers' safety and health.
OSHA conducted the review as required in the Regulatory Flexibility Act
and Executive Order 12866. Part of the review involved requesting and
evaluating public comments on the standard's effectiveness. Results of
the review showed the risks of developing and dying from cancer and
respiratory health issues still exist and require a continuation of the
methylene chloride standard. The standard did not cause a burden to
small businesses and industry in general, and the costs for putting the
standard into practice were considered essential to protecting workers'
health. Comments also indicated that employers understood the standard
and were able to apply the requirements without causing disruptions in
work products or services.
Methylene chloride is a volatile, colorless liquid with a
chloroform-like odor. It is used in various industrial processes, and
in many different industries including paint stripping, pharmaceutical
manufacturing, paint remover manufacturing, and metal cleaning and
degreasing.
Visit OSHA's
Safety and Health Topics page on Methylene Chloride for more information on reducing methylene chloride exposure.