Dichloromethane is widely used in industrial processes, food preparation, and agriculture. In industry, dichloromethane is used as a solvent in paint removers, degreasing agents, aerosol propellants, and triacetate solutions; as a blowing agent in flexible urethane foams; and as a process solvent in
The carcinogenicity of inhaled dichloromethane (DCM) was examined by exposing groups of 50 F344/DuCrj rats and 50 Crj: BDF1 mice of both sexes to 0, 1000, 2000, or 4000 ppm (w/w) DCM-containing aerosol for 2 years. Inhalation of DCM resulted in increased incidences of subcutis fibromas, mammary