Many solvents are used in organic synthesis, but higher exposures to workers occur when these chemicals are used in open processes, e.g., as degreasers and as solvents for paints, dyes, and pesticides. [Ladou, p. 481] Highest exposures in the past occurred in dry cleaning, screen printing, rotogravure printing, industrial painting, manufacturing of glass reinforced plastic, and tile fixing; [Reference #2]
Most industrial solvents are in a liquid state at room temperature. They are used to disperse other substances into solution, e.g., cleaning, degreasing, thinning, and extracting. Organic solvents include several classes of chemicals: hydrocarbons (aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic), petroleum distillates, alcohols, glycols, phenols, ketones, esters, ethers, glycol ethers, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons. [LaDou, p. 481-5] See the Disease, "Solvents, acute toxic effect."
CNS Solvent Syndrome
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Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities with risk of exposure: