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Dichloromethane: Effects, Risks and Safety

Dichloromethane (DCM) is a chlorinated solvent widely used in industry and laboratories. It is considered harmful to health and is classified as a possible human carcinogen.

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Things worth knowing about "Dichloromethane"

Dichloromethane (DCM) is a chlorinated solvent widely used in industry and laboratories. It is considered harmful to health and is classified as a possible human carcinogen.

What is Dichloromethane?

Dichloromethane (also known as methylene chloride, chemical formula: CH₂Cl₂) is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor. It belongs to the group of chlorinated hydrocarbons and is produced and used on a large industrial scale. Due to its powerful solvent properties and low boiling point (39.6 °C / 103.3 °F), it is widely applied across various industries.

Uses and Occurrence

Dichloromethane is used in numerous industrial and commercial sectors:

Paint strippers and varnish removers: It effectively dissolves paints, lacquers, and resins.
Chemical industry: As a solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and plastics.
Food industry: Previously used for decaffeinating coffee and tea (now heavily restricted in the EU).
Laboratories: As an extraction and purification agent in analytical chemistry.
Adhesives and aerosols: As a solvent component in various industrial products.

Health Risks and Toxicology

Dichloromethane is a substance of significant health concern. The primary route of exposure is through inhalation, but skin contact and accidental ingestion can also lead to absorption.

Acute Effects

Irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes, and mucous membranes
Dizziness, headache, and nausea
Drowsiness and impaired consciousness at high concentrations
Inside the body, dichloromethane is partially metabolized to carbon monoxide (CO), leading to elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels in the blood, which poses a particular danger to individuals with cardiovascular disease
At very high concentrations: loss of consciousness, cardiac arrhythmias, and in extreme cases, death

Chronic Effects and Cancer Risk

Long-term or repeated exposure to dichloromethane can have serious health consequences. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies dichloromethane as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). Chronic exposure has been associated with an increased risk of liver and bile duct cancers. Other potential long-term effects include:

Liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
Central nervous system damage
Elevated carboxyhemoglobin burden with associated cardiovascular risks

Occupational Exposure

Occupational groups at increased risk of exposure include painters, carpenters, chemical laboratory workers, and employees in pharmaceutical and plastics manufacturing. In the European Union, strict occupational exposure limits apply. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are at particular risk due to the carbon monoxide metabolite effect.

Regulation and Safety Measures

Due to its health risks, dichloromethane is subject to strict regulations in many countries:

In the EU, the use of dichloromethane in paint strippers for consumers is banned under REACH regulations (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and subsequent restrictions).
Professional users must comply with safety measures, including the use of respiratory protective equipment, adequate ventilation, and protective clothing.
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in accordance with GHS/CLP regulations must always be followed when handling the substance.

First Aid in Case of Exposure

If dichloromethane poisoning is suspected, the following measures should be taken immediately:

Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air immediately; if breathing has stopped, initiate resuscitation and call emergency services (911 / 112).
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse affected skin thoroughly with water.
Eye contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water and seek ophthalmological treatment.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; contact emergency services or a poison control center immediately.

References

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 110 – Dichloromethane (2017).
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Substance Evaluation – Dichloromethane (CAS 75-09-2), REACH Dossier (2020).
U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP): Report on Carcinogens, 15th Edition – Dichloromethane. Research Triangle Park, NC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021).

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