Identifying Exposure Risks to Methylene Chloride and other Chemical Hazards in Puerto Rico

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is described by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) as a volatile, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. The agency reports that the chemical compound is used in various industrial processes in numerous different industries.
 
These include paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint remover manufacturing, and metal cleaning and degreasing. Several years ago, OSHA and NIOSH published a Hazard Alert about “Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers.” The document states that if workers smell methylene chloride, they are being overexposed because methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the levels in the air are higher than OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs). However, the human body can quickly become desensitized to the smell of methylene chloride and workers may be overexposed even if they can no longer smell it.
 
It goes on to report that when methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain functions, such as not being able to concentrate. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. At lower levels, methylene chloride exposure causes dizziness, fatigue, headaches and nausea. Exposure can also cause eye, nose and throat irritation. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. OSHA considers methylene chloride to be a potential occupational carcinogen and the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that it may cause cancer in humans.
 
“The most common means of exposure to methylene chloride is through inhalation and skin exposure, although it can occur by drinking contaminated water as well,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Potential exposures for workers in industries that utilize this chemical compound need to be controlled. In addition to personal protective equipment and engineering controls, air monitoring is essential for ensuring the health and safety of workers.”
 
Zimmetry offers testing and monitoring services for methylene chloride and other potentially hazardous chemicals for clients throughout Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. They also recently sponsored an educational video about methylene chloride and occupational exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/SDGduHBfEQw
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their occupational, industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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