Health and Safety News For The Princeton Community, April 2025

Methylene chloride, also commonly known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a common solvent used in many consumer and commercial goods, and found in many research laboratories. The EPA last year banned most uses of DCM, citing the unreasonable risk of injury to the health of those exposed due to its well-documented neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects.

In response to the regulation, EHS is working with labs to ensure compliance with new workplace protections. These include exposure monitoring and the development of a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP).

Laboratories currently using reagents containing 1% or more methylene chloride must submit an EHS survey for inclusion in exposure assessments. 

May 7, 2025 is Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day, an annual event honoring all those who keep us safe in the workplace. This year, we offer you the chance to submit positive feedback (or just say "thank you") to a staff member at Princeton EHS!

Are you a "stan" for Stan? A Chelsea champion? Want to give a shout-out to Sean? Now's your chance to recognize someone who has been particularly supportive or gone the extra mile to improve safety where you work.

Send us your feedback using the button below.

As warm days approach this spring, EHS reminds all researchers that proper attire is essential in the laboratory. Standards of proper dress and PPE do not change when the weather heats up!  

Remember the following rules of dress when working in the lab:

• Shoes should cover the entirety of the foot—toes, heel, and top—and be constructed of a hazard-resistant material. 
• Legs should be fully covered from the waist to the top of the shoes. 
• Shirts and tops must significantly cover the upper torso, including shoulders and midriff. 
• Long hair should be tied back. 
• Loose jewelry or neckwear (such as ties, shawls or scarves) that hang outside the lab coat is not permitted.

Of course, lab coats, eye protection and other required PPE must also be worn when working in areas where hazardous materials are present. 

Follow us on social media:

Lab Coat Program Information

Information about the automated Lab Coat Program instituted in December is available on our website including FAQs, locations, coat types, how to sign up and instructions for using the machines. Learn More »