In a significant move to protect public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Tuesday that it will ban most uses of methylene chloride, a colorless liquid commonly used for stripping paint, cleaning metal, and even decaffeinating coffee. The chemical has been linked to dozens of deaths and long-standing advocacy for its ban.

The new rule introduced by the EPA will require stronger worker safety protections for the remaining "critical" uses of methylene chloride. Within a year, all consumer use will be prohibited, and within the next two years, most commercial and industrial use will be phased out. This decision aims to minimize exposure to the harmful carcinogen and ensure the well-being of workers and the public.

"EPA's final action brings an end to unsafe methylene chloride practices, ensuring no one in this country is put in harm's way by this dangerous chemical," stated EPA administrator Michael Regan, highlighting the agency's commitment to prioritizing public health and safety.

It's worth noting that the EPA had previously banned the sale of methylene chloride as a paint stripper in 2019 due to its carcinogenic properties. The chemical can also cause neurotoxicity, liver damage, and, in severe cases, even death. Tragically, since 1980, at least 88 people have lost their lives due to severe exposure to methylene chloride. Most of these fatalities involved workers who used the chemical for paint stripping or refinishing bathtubs.

Long-term exposure to methylene chloride through inhalation and skin contact has been associated with various cancers, including lung, breast, brain, and blood cancer. Wendy Hartley, an advocate who has been pushing for stricter regulations of the chemical since her son's death in 2017, voiced her support for the EPA's decision, emphasizing the importance of preventing others from experiencing similar tragedies.

The ban revealed on Tuesday is estimated to remove 50% of methylene chloride from the market. However, it's important to note that the EPA is not banning all uses of the chemical. Exceptions have been made for producing refrigerant chemicals, manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles, plastic and rubber production, as well as "critical" military and federal use cases.

While the recently unveiled EPA rule puts significant protective measures in place, there are limitations to its scope. The rule does not extend to uses regulated by other agencies, such as pharmaceuticals and food, which fall under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The use of methylene chloride in decaffeinating coffee, for example, is overseen by the FDA. Earlier this year, the Environmental Defense Fund petitioned the FDA to remove the chemical from the process of producing decaffeinated coffee.

The EPA's decisive move to ban most uses of methylene chloride represents a paramount step towards ensuring the safety and health of workers and the general public. While it may come too late for many families who have already suffered the consequences of methylene chloride exposure, this action serves as a testament to the importance of prioritizing science-based regulations to safeguard human well-being.