Your Most Up-to-Date Resource on Methylene Chloride (MCL)
Welcome! This is your trusted resource for accurate, current, and unbiased information on Methylene Chloride (MCL), its safe and effective uses, ongoing safety practices, and the latest developments around responsible handling and regulations.
Industries That Depend on MCL:
Automotive & Manufacturing
Aerospace & Aviation
Electronics
Pharmaceutical Production
Industrial & Commercial Paint Removal
Why Stay Informed?
Methylene Chloride (MCL) is widely misunderstood. Here you'll find clear, factual information that cuts through common misconceptions, safety myths, and exaggerated environmental claims.
Stay informed about:
Safe practices and handling guidelines
Health & safety updates
Current regulations & compliance measures
Laws & environmental standards
Updates on ongoing industry litigation and the regulatory landscape
Quick Facts About Methylene Chloride (MCL)
What is MCL?
Methylene Chloride (also known as Dichloromethane or DCM) is a widely-used solvent known for its effectiveness in dissolving paints, adhesives, and coatings.
Common Uses:
Paint stripping and removal
Industrial cleaning and degreasing
Manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive products
Production of adhesives, aerosols, and foam products
Industries Affected by MCL:
Paint and coatings industry
Automotive manufacturing and repair
Aerospace industry
Electronics manufacturing
Pharmaceutical and chemical production
Pros and Cons of MCL Usage
Pros:
Highly effective solvent for industrial and commercial applications
Cost-effective compared to many alternative solvents
Versatile across multiple industries
Cons:
Classified as a potential carcinogen (cancer-causing agent)
Health risks include respiratory issues, neurological effects, dizziness, and nausea
Environmental concerns such as groundwater contamination and air pollution
Challenges in safe disposal and recycling
Importance of Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing:
Adopting responsible practices significantly reduces health and environmental risks associated with MCL. Proper recycling, reduction, and reuse are essential for protecting public health and the environment.
Combating False Narratives About MCL
We understand that misinformation can lead to unnecessary fear and confusion regarding Methylene Chloride (MCL). Below, we address common misconceptions with clear, factual information:
Misconception: "MCL has no safe applications and should be completely banned."
Fact: When handled responsibly and according to established safety guidelines, MCL is a highly effective solvent with critical applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and paint removal. Proper safety measures significantly mitigate health and environmental risks.
Misconception: "Alternatives to MCL are always safer and equally effective."
Fact: While alternatives exist, many have their own safety, environmental, or performance limitations. MCL remains uniquely effective and economically viable for certain critical industrial processes, and in some cases, safer handling of MCL may be preferable to less-tested alternatives.
Misconception: "MCL usage inevitably leads to environmental contamination."
Fact: Environmental risks associated with MCL can be effectively managed through proper handling, storage, recycling, and disposal practices. Responsible use and adherence to regulatory guidelines significantly reduce the potential for environmental harm.
Misconception: "Exposure to any amount of MCL is extremely dangerous."
Fact: Regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA have established clear exposure limits and safety guidelines. When these guidelines are strictly followed, risks associated with MCL exposure are minimized, ensuring safe working conditions.
Why Methalyne Chloride products help the environment
Methylene Chloride based strippers effectively strip and recycle items that would otherwise be disposed into landfills, increasing landfill usage by millions of cubic feet.
If we could not recycle and refurbish items with the proper use of Methylene Chloride strippers and removers, it would increase the need for mining and deforestation for new materials.
Much of the methylene chloride used is reclaimed and purified from the pharmaceutical industry’s processes for making prescription medication. If we did not reclaim and purify the methylene chloride, it would be considered a waste product treated by incineration, thus increasing harmful carbon emissions, as well as driving up the cost of medicines from Big Pharma.
Good Work Habits to Control Exposure to MCL Vapors
Control Evaporation:
1. Stir all products before use to ensure that wax and evaporation inhibitors are well mixed
in the formulation.
2. Maintain working temperature between 65-90 degrees if possible
3. If the remover gets too cold, the wax will fracture resulting in more evaporation
4. If it gets over 95-100 degrees, evaporation will increase
5. Keep striping bucket (for flow over tray) or tank (for submersion) covered, even during
stripping
6. Ventilation should be a slow roll to move vapors out of the work area. Think of silt in
water. Do not over ventilate, vapors are heave and sink to the floor do not move vapors
high to breathing level.