Methylene Chloride 

*Millions of pounds per year. Methylene chloride (MeC) is coproduced with chloroform in direct reaction of methyl chloride with chlorine. Capacities are flexible, since more than one chlorinated hydrocarbon can be produced in the same equipment.

Dow is presently modernizing its chloromethane plants in Freeport, TX and Plaquemine, LA, but no specific capacity increase for methylene chloride has been announced.

Profile last published 11/24/97; this revision, 10/9/00.

DEMAND
1998: 217 million pounds; 1999: 208 million pounds; 2003: 200 million pounds, projected. Demand equals production plus imports (1998: 37 million pounds; 1999: 59 million pounds) less exports (1998: 104 million pounds; 1999: 113 million pounds).

PRICE
Historical (1994 - 1999): High, $0.43 per pound, tanks, dlvd.; low, $0.40, same basis. Current: $0.42, same basis. Current market pricing is significantly lower than list price.

USES
Paint stripping and removal, 30 percent; adhesives, 20 percent; metal cleaning, 10 percent; aerosols, 10 percent; pharmaceuticals, 10 percent; chemical processing, 10 percent; flexible polyurethane foam, 5 percent; miscellaneous, 5 percent.

STRENGTH
Since MeC does not contribute to the formation of smog in the lower atmosphere, it is not classed as a volatile organic compound (VOC), or source of smog, by the EPA or under most state and local regulations. MeC is used as a solvent in cements for clear plastics and is often blended with other solvents to help dissolve the resin used in contact adhesives. It is also a major component in adhesives used to construct and install urethane foam cushions. It is an important component in many aerosol formulations because of its high solvency. MeC is the primary active ingredient used in most organic paint removing products, including commercial furniture strippers, home paint removers, and products used for aircraft maintenance. Its high solvency, low flammability, and unique ability to penetrate, blister and lift most types of durable finishes make it the solvent of choice in these applications. MeC has been the chief substitute for CFC-11 as a flexible polyurethane foam blowing agent.

WEAKNESS
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) requires that all consumer formulations containing MeC carry warning labels of potential toxicity. And the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has classified MeC as a potential occupational carcinogen. Because of occupational concerns, users of MeC will continue to be under pressure to limit use, restrict emissions, maximize recycling and eliminate worker exposure.

OUTLOOK
Since the mid 1980s, increasingly restrictive government regulations have caused a decline in me MeC consumption. Moreover, recycling (vapor release capture) and product substitutions have combined to reduce demand for virgin product. As of April 2000, all compliance deadlines were to have been satisfied. Those facilities which could not justify investment in vapor control equipment ceased consuming MeC. Assuming no new restrictions are imposed, the demand should stabilize around 200 million pounds this year and continue at that level for the next several years. Although demand in those industries still served will continue to grow, the negative position of the EPA toward chlorinated materials in general will encourage further product substitutions.