[Is dichloromethane an occupational carcinogen?].

Dichloromethane (DCM) has been widely used in Poland and worldwide as a pesticide fumigant to preserve seed and fruit, in the manufacture of polyurethane, in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food-processing industry. It isalso used as an ingredient of fire extinguishing formulations and as a cooling agent in refrigerators. Because of dichloromethane's widespread use, its multisystemic toxic activity and a significant number of the exposed people, it is important to assess occupational risk for dichloromethane. In Poland, the maximum admissible concentration of dichloromethane based on its carcinogenic effect is MAC TWA 20 mg/m3 and MAC STEL 50 mg/m3. However, according to experimental and epidemiological data, occupational risk associated with DCM use is attributable to its effect on central nervous system rather than to its carcinogenic activity.