Examples: aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, freons, alcohols, ethers, ketones

Hazard Properties

• Repeated skin contact with a solvent can cause the skin's protective fats and oils to dissolve, resulting in reddening, itching, blistering, pain and possibly permanent skin damage.
• Solvents can also be readily absorbed through the skin, producing systemic toxic effects.
• In addition to irritation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, inhalation can cause dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lack of coordination, and nausea.
• Exposure over a prolonged period of time may result in damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, blood, nervous system, and other organs. Carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects are not uncommon.
• Many solvents are flammable; some are explosive; and some can react with other substances or heat to create different hazardous materials.
• Be aware of the ability of solvent vapor to displace air at high concentrations, causing oxygen depletion and possible asphyxiation.

Practices

• Use fume hoods to prevent inhalation of solvent vapors and build-up of flammable levels of vapor. Minimize solvent vaporization by avoiding unnecessary open containers.
• Secondary containment should always be used to confine spills.
• Allow space for thermal expansion in all containers; overfilling can cause leakage or breakage. Glass bottles can rupture if they are filled nearly to the top with cold liquid and then stored in a warm area.
• Wear eye protection for all operations in which accidental splashing might occur.
• Avoid creating aerosols.
• Substitute a less toxic solvent whenever possible.
• Avoid direct skin contact by using lab coat and solvent-resistant gloves and changing them whenever necessary.
• Use appropriate equipment to avoid ignition (e.g., explosion-proof hoods, refrigerators, motors).