Dichloromethane or methylene chloride is an organic compound. It is not found in nature, it is a synthetically produced chemical substance. It has no color, is soft, has a pleasant odor and is liquid at room temperature. Insoluble in water and highly volatile. This substance is used as a solvent in many sectors. It is also used in the food industry to remove caffeine from coffee and tea. It is a strong degreaser and paint remover compound.

Dichloromethane can damage the nervous system if inhaled. High concentration in the air reduces perception time in humans, causing dizziness, dizziness, numbness in the fingers, ringing in the ears and nausea.

In order not to adversely affect human health, a number of limit values ​​have been determined as to which amounts and for how long dicholoromethane can be exposed.

Authorized laboratories carry out tests and analyzes to determine the amount of dichloromethane-soluble substance on the skin within the scope of specific tests. These studies are based on standards published by domestic and foreign organizations. The standards considered to determine the amount of dichloromethane soluble in the skin are:

• TS EN ISO 4048 Leathers - Chemical experiments - Determination of free fatty acid content and soluble substance in dichloromethane
• ISO 4048 (IULTCS / IUC 4) Skin - Chemical tests - Determination of dissolved substances in dichloromethane and free fatty acids

These standards include two methods for the extraction of oily substances on the skin. The first method is extraction using an apparatus, the second method is extraction using a pressurized system. Extraction is usually performed to determine the free fatty acid content of the skin. Furthermore, the methods described in these standards are also suitable for extraction of skin with solvents other than dichloromethane, but the temperature conditions have to be changed for high pressure extraction.