Solvents

Solvents, also known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are used to dissolve or dilute other substances and materials. They have a low evaporation point which causes them to release harmful fumes at room temperature. Solvents stored in containers that are leaky or spilt need to be treated with extreme caution. Chemicals that come in contact with each other can react and release toxic fumes. Solvents are often highly flammable even in cold weather.

Solvents can harm many parts of your body, including your brain, skin, liver, kidneys and respiratory system. Most are central nervous system depressants. They can cause dizziness, disorientation, headaches, and sleepiness when inhaled at high concentrations.

Potential for coming into contact with solvents generally falls into two categories: application and disposal.

How to recognize harmful solvents?

Solvents, or VOCs are used in many construction products such as paints, thinners, cleaning agents, and glues. Certain tasks, such as spraying, can produce very high exposures. Examples of solvents are acetone, alcohol, benzene, epichlorohydrin, esters, gasoline, glycol ethers, heptane, hexane, kerosene, ketones, methanol, methylene chloride, mineral spirits, naphtha, toluene, trichloroethane (methyl chloroform), turpentine, and xylene.

Materials that include VOCs should specify them on canisters and labels. Often, but not always. you'll notice an odor when using these products.

The Hazards:

Breathing vapours – paints, etc. give off solvent vapours as they dry or cure.
Skin contact – some solvents can be absorbed through the skin. Repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid solvents may cause burns or dermatitis.
Eye contact – contact with liquid solvent and solvent vapour can cause irritation and inflammation.
Ingestion – you can take solvents into your body on contaminated food, drink and cigarettes.

Different solvents can affect your health in different ways. Some of the short-term effects are irritation of the eyes, lungs and skin, headaches, nausea, dizziness or light-headedness. Some of these effects may also increase your risk of having an accident. There can also be long-term effects on your health from repeated exposure to particular solvents. These may include dermatitis and liver, kidney or neurological diseases. High concentrations of solvents can cause unconsciousness and death.

What to do if working with Solvents:

Because each type of solvent is different, read the labels and the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for each solvent you will use.
Prevent if possible. Use products containing little or no organic solvents – eg ‘water’ based paints. Avoid products containing more harmful solvents – eg those classed as sensitizers. Avoid spray products as this causes more vapour to get into the air than using a brush or roller. Avoid unnecessary solvent evaporation by using the minimum amount for the job - keep lids on containers and use sealed containers for solvent -contaminated waste. Do not leave solvent-contaminated rags lying around.
Don't get solvents on your skin. Don't use solvents to wash paint off your hands. When you use gloves, check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure the gloves protect against the solvent you are using. When you clean oil-based paint from brushes, wear gloves.
Wash your hands before you smoke, eat, or drink. If you don't, you can swallow solvents by mistake. Don't smoke, eat, or drink where solvents are used.
Try not to breathe solvents. Use the smallest container you can. Keep lids on paint or glue cans or degreasing units when they are not being used. Throw out rags that have solvents on them. Keep your face away from solvents. Use a long-handled paint roller.
Work with solvents only where there is fresh air. You can't always smell solvents. You may have to work indoors — to glue tile or spray-paint a wall — or in a trench or other confined space with solvents. If you do, set an exhaust fan to pull the vapors away from you. (Indoors, try to have one fan in a window pull vapors outdoors and a fan to pull in air from outside the room.)
To prevent fires, keep open flames and sources of ignition far away from solvents. When you throw out rags that have solvents, put them in special containers.

PPE And Process:

Ventilation – ventilation is key when working with solvents. Make sure there is enough fresh air in the work area. Open doors and windows; use air movers such as fans, etc wherever possible. The higher the risk the more ventilation will be needed;
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) – you may need RPE where ventilation does not provide enough control. The type of RPE depends on the product(s) and work methods you are using. It is particularly important to select the correct filter and ensure wearers are fit tested where needed . For example, particulate filters provide protection against spray mist but do not protect you from solvent vapours. You will need the right gas/vapour filter for these. Change them at suitable intervals. Check with your supplier if you’re not sure.
Eye protection – wear eye protection (eg goggles or a face shield) when doing work where splashes / aerosol may get into the eyes. This must be compatible with any RPE.
Gloves – gloves should be right for the products you are using – single use disposable gloves of suitable materials (eg nitrile) are preferable. Make sure the breakthrough time and permeation rate are right for the type and length of the work. You may need gauntlet style gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Overalls – disposable overalls are preferred. Launder significantly contaminated re-usable overalls before wearing them again. It may be necessary to air them in a safe place first, to let the solvent evaporate.
Washing – good washing facilities are essential. Wash off any product on the skin as soon as possible. Encourage people to wash exposed skin at breaks and after finishing work. Skin care products can also help replace the natural oils that help keep the skin’s protective barrier working properly.
First aid – give adequate and appropriate first aid treatment to anyone affected by solvents. You may also need to seek further medical attention.

Disposal of Solvents

Solvents should never be put down the drain, toilet, or poured outside.
Many are flammable or explosive and are very harmful to you and the environment.
Empty paint and solvent containers cannot be recycled because of their toxic residue. They can be thrown in the trash as long as there is no liquid left. Wet paint in the bottom of a can should be hardened/dried by adding sawdust, kitty litter or paint hardener.
Solvent based paint, paint thinner and white spirit should be disposed of as hazardous waste at a hazardous waste disposal service.
- For US Programs: Find your local hazardous waste collection facility with an online search for “hazardous waste collection” along with the name of your city, and a list of local disposal centers should pop up. The US Environmental Agency contains a database of links to programs by state, where applicable. Often, states will post statements about hazardous waste collection after specific disasters.

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