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Organic solvents are often the most hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Solvents such as ether, alcohol, and toluene, for example, are highly volatile or flammable. Chlorinated solvents such as chloroform are nonflammable, but when exposed to heat or flame, they may produce carbon monoxide, chlorine, phosgene, or other highly toxic gases.
Always use volatile and flammable solvents in an area with good ventilation or in a fume hood. Never use ether or other highly flammable solvents in a room with open flames or other ignition sources present.
14 hours, 5 minutes
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Solvent Exposure Hazards
Health hazards associated with solvents include exposure by the following routes:- Inhalation of a solvent may cause bronchial irritation, dizziness, central nervous system depression, nausea, headache, coma, or death. Prolonged exposure to excessive concentrations of solvent vapors may cause liver or kidney damage. The consumption of alcoholic beverages can enhance these effects.
- Skin contact with solvents may lead to defatting, drying, and skin irritation.
- Ingestion of a solvent may cause severe toxicological effects. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Chloroform
- Benzene
- Carbon tetrachloride
- Methylene chloride
NOTE: Do not depend on your sense of smell alone to know when hazardous vapors are present. The odor of some chemicals is so strong that they can be detected at levels far below hazardous concentrations (e.g., xylene).
In addition, some solvents (e.g., benzene) are known or suspected carcinogens.Reducing Solvent Exposure
To decrease the effects of solvent exposure, substitute hazardous solvents with less toxic or hazardous solvents whenever possible. For example, use hexane instead of diethyl ether, benzene or a chlorinated solvent.NOTE: The best all-around solvent is water; use it whenever possible.
The following table outlines possible solvent substitutions:| Instead of Using | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Benzene | Cyclohexane Toluene Xylene |
| Halogenated Solvents | Non-Halogenated Solvents |
| Aromatic hydrocarbon | Aliphatic hydrocarbon |
| Trichloroethylene | 1,1,1-trichloroethane |
| Diethyl ether | Hexane Petroleum ether |
Course Currilcum
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- Health Hazards of Solvents 01:00:00
- What is a solvent? 00:10:00
- Classes of Organic Solvents 00:20:00
- Scope of Problem 00:10:00
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- Occupational Disease due to Solvents 00:50:00
- Properties of Solvents 00:20:00
- Routes of Solvent Exposure 00:15:00
- Biological Monitoring 00:50:00
- Occupations Exposed to Solvents 00:15:00
- Solvent Related Diseases 00:35:00
- Dx of Solvent-Related Disease 02:30:00
- Prevention of Solvent Exposures 00:20:00
- Personal Protective Equipment 00:50:00
- Purpose of the Standards Around the World FREE 00:30:00
- British Standards FREE 02:00:00
- European Standards FREE 02:00:00
- Health Hazards of Solvents Training 00:40:00
