Solvents are widely used in paints, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and electronics for dissolving, cleaning, or processing materials. While essential to modern manufacturing, many are also flammable, toxic, or corrosive. Even routine, low-level exposure can lead to serious health effects over time.
WHAT ARE SOLVENTS?
A solvent is a liquid substance that dissolves another material (the solute) to form a uniform solution. Water is the most common solvent, but it cannot dissolve every material. To bridge that gap, industries use organic solvents such as acetone, ethanol, or toluene to remove grease, thin coatings, extract ingredients, or clean surfaces.
Solvents are present in almost every workplace, including laboratories, workshops, factories, print rooms, and cleaning operations. Proper handling is essential to ensure daily safety.
Types of solvents
Solvents can be classified by their chemical structure, polarity, or industrial use. According to the INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, France), there are nine main families of organic solvents, each with specific properties and hazards.
| Solvent Family | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene) | Paints, adhesives |
| Petroleum solvents (white spirit, hexane) | Metal cleaning, degreasing |
| Alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol) | Pharmaceuticals, disinfectants |
| Ketones (acetone, MEK) | Paint stripping, resin thinning |
| Esters & ethers | Coatings, fragrances |
| Glycol ethers | Inks, paints |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | Electronics, degreasing |
| Formulated blends | Specialised industrial cleaning |
Common industry examples
| Industry | Example Solvent | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | Acetone / MEK | Cleaning and paint removal |
| Pharmaceuticals | Ethanol / Isopropanol | Drug synthesis and purification |
| Electronics | Isopropyl alcohol | PCB and component cleaning |
| Food & fragrance | Ethyl acetate | Extraction of essential oils |
| Semiconductors | N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) | Slurry preparation and precision cleaning |
WHY SOLVENT SAFETY MATTERS
Understanding solvent safety and following the right precautions are vital to protect workers, reduce fire and health hazards, and minimise environmental impact.
Solvent exposure risks
Solvent vapours can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested accidentally. Inhalation is the most common route, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.Short-term (acute) exposure may cause:
- Dizziness, headaches, nausea
- Eye or skin irritation
- Drowsiness or intoxication-like symptoms
- Nervous system damage and memory loss
- Liver and kidney injury
- Reproductive effects or cancer (e.g. benzene, trichloroethylene)
Main systems affected
| Body System | Potential Effects |
|---|---|
| Skin & mucous membranes | Irritation, dermatitis |
| Respiratory system | Throat irritation, chronic cough |
| Nervous system | Fatigue, neuropathy |
| Reproductive / CMR | Fertility or fetal development impacts |
Most solvents are volatile and flammable, producing vapours that can ignite even at a distance. They also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution and environmental contamination if spilled or poorly managed.
Managing solvent risks
Because solvents are used so widely, risk management must be structured and multi-layered:
- Eliminate or substitute hazardous solvents with safer or water-based options where possible.
- Engineering controls: use closed systems, local exhaust ventilation, and vapour capture.
- Administrative controls: implement training, standard operating procedures, and supervision.
- PPE: the final barrier against contact or inhalation.
This hierarchy mirrors the Swiss Cheese Model of risk management, where each layer compensates for potential gaps in the others.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR SOLVENT SAFETY
Proper PPE protects workers from both splashes and vapours and supports compliance with workplace safety standards.
| PPE Type | Purpose | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Hand protection (gloves) | Prevent absorption through skin | Use solvent-resistant gloves (nitrile preferred). Check compatibility. |
| Body protection (clothing/suits) | Shield skin from splashes | Wear solvent-resistant or disposable suits. Seal cuffs. |
| Respiratory protection (masks/respirators) | Prevent inhalation of vapours | Use masks with vapour filters and ensure fit testing. |
| Eye protection (goggles/face shields) | Protect from splashes and vapours | Use chemical splash goggles or face shields. |
Daily best practices for safe solvent use
Before working with solvents:
- Read labels and Safety Data Sheets
- Check PPE suitability and container integrity
- Avoid wearing contact lenses that can trap fumes
- Keep containers closed to limit evaporation
- Use closed systems whenever possible
- Ventilate work areas effectively
- Never use solvents for handwashing
- Store waste in designated containers
- Do not pour solvents into drains
- Wash thoroughly after handling
Waste management best practices
- Collect used solvents in sealed, labelled containers
- Separate types to allow recycling
- Store away from heat or ignition sources
- Use approved disposal or recycling providers
- Recycling wherever feasible helps reduce environmental impact and operating compensation
SOLVENT ABUSE RISKS
Beyond occupational exposure, solvent abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation of vapours for intoxication. It remains a serious social and health issue that can cause hallucinations, organ damage, and even sudden death due to cardiac arrest. Awareness and education are key to prevention, especially in environments where solvent access is common.
BUILDING A SAFER WORKPLACE THROUGH SOLVENT AWARENESS
Solvents are essential to modern industry, but their benefits come with real risks.
By understanding the types of solvents used, following established solvent safety precautions, and implementing strong risk management practices, employers can create safer and more sustainable operations.
