Methylene Chloride - Environmental Health Criteria 32

The document focuses on describing and evaluating the risks of methylene chloride for human health and the environment. Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is widely used as a multi-purpose solvent and paint remover. The assessment of its toxicity can be complicated by the presence of stabilizers and other solvents, frequently found in commercial products. Methylene chloride can be measured by gas chromatographic techniques at minimum concentrations of approximately 0.02 pg/rn3 in air and 0.1 pg/litre in water. Exposure to methylene chloride can be roughly estimated by the determination of its levels in blood or expired air.