Abstract  This document provides a preliminary public summary of available information collected by EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) on the manufacturing (including importing), processing, distribution in commerce, use, and disposal of this chemical. This is based on existing data available to EPA, including information collected under the Chemical Data Reporting rule, Toxics Release Inventory (if available), information from other Agency databases, other U.S. Government agencies, publicly available information from states, and a review of published literature. In addition, the document includes information reported to EPA by producers and users of the chemical in the United States and in other countries. This preliminary use information and any additional use information received in the docket by March 15, 2017 will inform efforts to develop the scope of the chemical risk evaluation required under section 6(b)(4) of the Toxic Substances Control Act, and will inform any risk management efforts following risk evaluation. Mention of trade names in this document does not constitute endorsement by EPA. To verify products or articles containing this chemical currently in commerce, EPA has identified several examples. Any lists are provided for informational purposes only. EPA and its employees do not endorse any of the products or companies. This document does not contain confidential business information (CBI).

Abstract  In response to a request from Amalgamated Clothing and Textiles Workers Union, an evaluation was made of possible hazards at Sheldahl, Inc., (SIC-3679), Northfield, Minnesota. The facility produced flexible printed circuitry, employing about 650 workers. At this facility adhesives were mixed including solid resins such as polyester, epoxy or nylon; solvents such as methylene-chloride (75092), methyl-ethyl-ketone (78933), acetone (67641), and smaller quantities of 1,1,2-trichloroethane (79005), methanol (67561), and others; and additives such as powders, dyes, and isocyanate curing agents. Samples collected in lamination departments indicated workers were potentially exposed to methylene-chloride at levels ranging from 26 to 132 parts per million (ppm). Methylene-chloride concentrations for short term exposures were calculated to range up to 1752ppm. Combined exposures to methylene-chloride and carbon-monoxide (630080) were excessive. The company's medical log for the years 1981 to 1983 showed cases of illness compatible with methylene-chloride exposure. The authors conclude that a potential health hazard from exposure to methylene-chloride exists. The authors recommend that a less toxic material be substituted for methylene-chloride. Exhaust ventilation systems and personal protective equipment should be upgraded. Solvent soaked rags should be placed in sealable containers. Employee education should be undertaken, and medical monitoring should be conducted on a regular basis.