IRIS Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) (External Review Draft)

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Abstract

EPA is conducting a peer review and public comment of the scientific basis supporting the human health hazard and dose-response assessment of Dichloromethane that when finalized will appear on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database.

The draft Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane provides scientific support and rationale for the hazard and dose-response assessment pertaining to chronic exposure to dichloromethane. Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a colorless liquid. It is, or has been, used principally in paint strippers and removers, as a propellant in aerosols, in the manufacture of drugs, pharmaceuticals, film coatings, electronics, and polyurethane foam, as a metal cleaning solvent, and in the decaffeination process of coffee and tea.

Impact/Purpose

The draft Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane provides scientific support and rationale for the hazard and dose-response assessment pertaining to chronic exposure to dichloromethane.

Status

Following external peer review and public comment, the final assessment will be posted to the IRIS database.

Citation

U.S. EPA. IRIS Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) (External Review Draft). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/635/R-10/003A, 2010.

History/Chronology

Date Description
01-1987The oral RfD for dichloromethane was posted to the IRIS database.
02-1990The cancer assessment for dichloromethane was posted to the IRIS database.
03-Dec 2009EPA initiated an interagency science consultation on the review of the draft Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane.
04-Mar 2010EPA released an external review draft of the dichloromethane assessment for public review and comment. Also released was the interagency review draft with comments. A public listening session to discuss the report will be held on May 11, 2010, and the external peer review meeting will be held September 23, 2010.
05-Nov 2010EPA releases the comments from the public comment period and external review workshop.

Additional Information

Comments on the assessment may be submitted and reviewed using the e-Government Regulations.gov Web site. From the site, select Environmental Protection Agency and the key word EPA-HQ-ORD-2010-0224 (for the docket ID).