April 30, 2024<\/p>\n
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement in response to historic EPA action from the Biden\u2013Harris administration to phase out and ban the deadly methylene chloride, an extremely dangerous chemical used in paint stripping, metal cleaning and degreasing, under the Toxic Substances Control Act after Trump-era inaction:<\/i><\/p>\n
On the heels of Workers Memorial Day, this historic action to phase out and ban this deadly chemical is a critical milestone in our fight to protect working people on the job. The AFL-CIO applauds the rule announced today, which continues the Biden\u2013Harris administration\u2019s and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA\u2019s) deep commitment to the safety and health of all workers.<\/p>\n
With the widespread availability of safer alternatives, we know this commonsense change will save lives. Methylene chloride poses a serious risk to workers\u2014we have known for years that, if inhaled, it can cause immediate death. Despite this, the Trump administration and its corporate backers left workers behind when it prohibited consumer usage but refused to require employers to use safer chemicals and methods. With this strong foundation, we will continue to ensure workers are still protected to the fullest during phase-out periods and establish strong standards that protect all workers from chemical exposures we face on the job.<\/p>\n