Learn → Glossary → solvent processing aid
Dichloromethane
Level 5 — High concernIn Winter's Dictionary
Dichloromethane is a solvent processing aid — Paint remover, solvent, cleaning agent, strawberry/grain fumigant
Also: DCM, Methylene Chloride
What it does
Paint remover, solvent, cleaning agent, strawberry/grain fumigant
Where you'll see it
Public/private drinking water supplies; paint products
What the research says
Short-term: damage to nervous system and blood. Long-term: liver damage and cancer. Identified as priority hazardous substance by EU.
Regulatory status
- Notes: MCLG set at zero; MCL 5 ppb; high-volume chemical
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): DCM at levels above the MCL can cause liver damage and cancer