Chemical Exposure Program Updates

January 17, 2025 – Perchloroethylene was placed on the EPA regulated chemicals list. Perchloroethylene is also known as tetrachloroethylene, tetrachloroethene, PCE, or perc; CAS 127-18-4. PCE is primarily used in industrial settings such as dry cleaning, in lubricants, adhesives, and sealants, however it can still be found around campus. To comply with the EPA, all users except labs that identify as research laboratories, are to send their supply to the UTD Environment Team for hazardous waste disposal. Researchers will be placed in the approved users list once they have completed the chemical exposure program requirements.

December 18, 2024 – Carbon Tetrachloride, also called carbon chloride, methane tetrachloride, perchloromethane, tetrachloroethane, or benziform, CAS 56-23-5, was placed on the TSCA regulated chemical list. CTC can be found found in the air as a colorless gas. It is not flammable and does not dissolve in water very easily. It was used in the production of refrigeration fluid and propellants for aerosol cans, as a pesticide, as a cleaning fluid and degreasing agent, in fire extinguishers, and in spot removers. Because of its harmful effects, these uses are now banned and it is only used in some industrial applications. To comply with the EPA, all users except labs that identify as research laboratories are to send their supply to the UTD Environment Team for hazardous waste disposal. Researchers will be placed in the approved users list once they have completed the chemical exposure program requirements.

December 17, 2024 – Trichloroethylene, also called ethylene trichloride, TCE, trichloroethene, or trilene; CAS 79-01-6, was placed on the EPA regulated chemical list. TCE can be found in consumer products such as cleaning products, furniture products, degreasers, brake cleaners, and tire repair sealants. TCE will also be found in refrigerants and inside batteries. To comply with the EPA, all users except labs that identify as research laboratories are to send their supply to the UTD Environment Team for hazardous waste disposal. Researchers will be placed in the approved users list once they have completed the chemical exposure program requirements.

July 8, 2024 – Methylene Chloride was placed on the EPA regulated chemicals list. Methylene Chloride is also known as dichloromethane, DCM, CAS 75-09-2. DCM is widely used in a lot of consumer and commercial products including sealants and adhesives, plus automotive products. To comply with the EPA, all users except labs that identify as research laboratories are to send their supply to the UTD Environment Team for hazardous waste disposal. Researchers will be placed in the approved users list once they have completed the chemical exposure program requirements.