fast facts 

Office of Compliance 

advancing safety, health, and workplace rights in the legislative branch 

Methylene Chloride July 2008

Read the Label and Don’t Trust Your Sense of Smell 

During its recent biennial inspection, 

the Office of Compliance (OCC) discovered the use of chemical products 

that contain methylene chloride ( CAS 

number 75-09-2) in various legislative 

branch offices. Also known as dichloromethane or methylene dichloride, methylene chloride is a colorless, 

volatile liquid with an odor similar to 

ether or chloroform. Methylene chloride can adversely affect the central 

nervous system, heart, liver, kidneys, 

and brain. It can also increase the risk 

of developing cancer in the salivary 

gland, liver, lung, mammary gland 

and pancreas. This toxic solvent has 

been used, in many instances, without 

employees’ knowledge of the potential adverse health effects. 

Although OSHA does not prohibit 

methylene chloride use, it has created 

comprehensive health standards specifically for this chemical. Employers 

must comply with various parts of 

standard 29 CFR 1910.1052 whenever 

methylene chloride is present. 

Consequently, the OOC issues a 

“Notice of Serious Deficiency Needing Prompt Attention” to offices that 

are not compliant with OSHA’s specific standard and fail to include methylene chloride in their Hazard Communication Program. 

Exposure to

 Methylene Chloride 

Methylene chloride can be absorbed 

into the body directly through the 

skin, even penetrating many materials 

from which protective gloves are 

made. Although methylene chloride 

typically is not smelled until its airborne concentration reaches 200 parts 

per million (ppm), OSHA’s full-shift 

exposure limit is 25 ppm. Not only 

does methylene chloride evaporate at 

a high rate, but people working with 

the chemical can be exposed simultaneously by inhalation and skin absorption. Accordingly, the presence 

of even a small quantity of methylene 

chloride can pose a high risk to employees. 

Bottles of methylene chloride found on a recent Office of Compliance inspection. 

www.compliance.gov 

Cans of sealant containing methylene chloride found on a recent inspection. 

Effects of Methylene Chloride

Short-term effects of overexposure 

include headaches, nausea, feelings of lightheadedness, sluggishness, and irritability. Methylene

chloride can also irritate the nose, 

throat and lungs, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of

breath. High doses of methylene

chloride can cause confusion, 

slurred speech, and loss of coordination. Exposure in excess of

5000 ppm can also cause the lungs 

to fill with fluid, and can even result in death. Long-term exposure 

can cause memory loss and emotional changes. Exposures may 

also worsen the symptoms of heart 

disease, resulting in chest pains 

and angina. Mere contact with 

chemical products containing methylene chloride can irritate and

burn the skin and eyes. 
 

 

Methylene Chloride on Office of Compliance Inspections 

In legislative branch areas, liquid products found to contain methylene chloride include certain paint and varnish removers, acrylic (Plexiglas) cement, fabric adhesives, and various products used in lithographic printing operations. These liquids 

may be inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Additionally, aerosol products containing methylene chloride—with the potential for inhalation—include spray paints, 

lubricants, several spray-on gasket and gasket remover products. 

The OOC recommends replacing these hazardous, life-threatening chemicals with 

safer, non-toxic substitutes. Cans of gasket stripper containing methylene chloride found on a recent Office of Compliance inspection. 

fast stats 

• Methylene chloride can be absorbed through the skin. It rapidly penetrates most types of protective gloves. 

• Toxic concentrations of methylene chloride can be inhaled, even when the chemical cannot be smelled. 

Any solvent can be readily inhaled when it is dispensed from an aerosol product. 

• Overexposure can cause serious health problems, including cancer. 

• OSHA’s Methylene Chloride Standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) requires a special written program to be 

created and implemented if the chemical is present in the workplace. 

• During the 109th Congress, the OOC found non-compliant methylene chloride use in 17 locations. 

In addition, 14 “Notices of Serious Deficiency Needing Prompt Attention” were issued. 

If you have any questions, please do not The Office of Compliance advances safety, 

hesitate to contact the Office of Compliance: health, and workplace rights in the U.S. 

Congress and the Legislative Branch. Es- Room LA 200, John Adams Building tablished as an independent agency by the 110 Second Street, SE Congressional Accountability Act of 1995,

Washington, D.C. 20540 the Office educates employees and employ- ing offices about their rights and responsi- t/ 202-724-9250 

bilities under the Act, provides an impartial tdd/ 202-426-1912 dispute resolution process, and investigates 

Peter Ames Eveleth f/ 202-426-1913 and remedies violations of the Act. 

General Counsel 

Mary-Margaret Smith 

Editor Download the entire Fast Facts suite at http://www.compliance.gov 

This information does not constitute advice or an offi cial ruling of the Office of Compliance or the Board

of Directors and is intended for educational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the 

Congressional Accountability Act (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) and the regulations issued by the Board, or you 

may contact the Office of Compliance.