What Dangers Do Chemical Solvents Pose and How Can We Prevent Them

Today, in our workplace and life there are thousands of chemical solvents, and we are in some way in contact with them—from industries such as petrochemicals, the chemical industry, textiles, etc. to the home environment, where we use substances such as paint strippers, adhesives, detergents, insecticides, etc.

∴ What hazards do chemical solvents pose to us:

• Solvents, depending on the type used and their chemical composition, create various effects on our health. Some of these effects are short-term (such as irritation of the eyes, lungs, and skin, nausea, dizziness, headache, etc.) and others cause us problems in the long term, such as skin effects (dermatitis) and other effects that depend on the type of solvent.

• At high concentrations, solvents can even cause loss of consciousness and death. On the other hand, when we are exposed to chemical solvents, the likelihood of an accident occurring increases for us.

∴ How do solvents enter our body:

• Through respiration: When we breathe in an environment contaminated with chemicals, the vapors of solvents, fumes, and chemicals can enter our body.

• Through the skin: When we work with solvents, they can enter the body through the skin.

• Through the digestive tract: When solvents enter our body in some way through the mouth (such as when eating or smoking with contaminated hands). If you think your health may have been affected as a result of working with solvents, or you are worried that you are not fully protected against the hazards of solvents, you should consult the occupational health expert of H.S.E. affairs and an occupational medicine physician.

∴ Precautionary measures:

• Your awareness of the hazards caused by solvents and how to prevent these hazards is very important, so pay sufficient attention to the training and measures carried out by the H.S.E. officials in this regard, and if needed, request more information from them.

• Pay attention to the instructions, recommendations, and precautionary points stated on the labels of chemicals, and apply them.

• Check whether it is possible to use solvents that are safer and pose less hazard.

• Make full use of the existing control measures such as ventilation, exhaust fans, hoods, etc., which are installed to control the vapors produced by solvents.

• Report any defect or malfunction in the ventilation system, personal protective equipment, etc. immediately to your supervisor or to the occupational health expert of H.S.E. affairs.

• Use your respiratory masks and other protective equipment such as gloves, etc., and keep them in a clean place.

• Keep your protective equipment (such as masks, gloves, etc.) clean and make sure they fit you properly.

• In some cases, by opening doors and windows you can use natural ventilation to control solvent vapors.

• Avoid the excessive and unnecessary use of solvents.

• Close the lids of solvent and chemical containers tightly to prevent their evaporation and release into the air.

• Collect cloths and rags soaked in solvents from around the workplace.

• As far as possible, avoid skin contact with solvents and any chemical that contains a solvent. For this, use protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, an apron, etc.

• Never use solvents (such as thinner, gasoline, etc.) or substances such as grease to clean paints and chemical contamination off your skin.

• Avoid eating and smoking in places where solvents are present.

• After working with solvents and before eating, as well as smoking, wash your hands thoroughly.

• In places where chlorine-containing solvents are present, avoid activities such as heating, welding, etc., because extremely toxic gases will be released into the air.

∴ Your responsibility regarding the hazards caused by solvents:

• Observing the health and safety recommendations for working with chemicals and applying the instructions developed in this regard.

• Cooperating with the H.S.E. officials and experts regarding control measures.

• Making full use of control measures and personal protective equipment, and reporting their defects to the relevant officials.

• Active participation in the workplace's health programs and care.