Methylene Chloride

Also known as: Dichloromethane, Methane dichloride, Methylene dichloride
Chemical reference number (CAS): 75-09-2

Methylene chloride is a clear, nonflammable liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor. It's primarily used as paint remover, industrial solvent, and grain fumigant.

In the home, methylene chloride may be an ingredient in paint removers and in fire extinguishers. You may find methylene chloride (or one of the other names listed above) in the ingredient label of these products.

Methylene chloride will not remain in the food chain; sunlight will break down the compound when it's released into the air. If methylene chloride is placed in a landfill or discharged to soil, it can seep into groundwater and contaminate nearby wells.


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Last revised June 15, 2022