Organic solvent exposure is breathing or skin contact with solvents like toluene, xylene or acetone, which can affect the nervous system, liver and skin.
Organic solvent exposure is contact with carbon-based liquid chemicals used to dissolve, thin or clean other substances, such as toluene, xylene, acetone, hexane, mineral spirits and methylene chloride. Workers are exposed mainly by breathing vapors and through skin contact, which can cause headaches, dizziness and narcotic effects in the short term, and nervous system, liver, kidney and skin damage with long-term exposure. Many solvents are also highly flammable.
Workers cleaning parts with a xylene-based degreaser in a small room report headaches and dizziness. Air monitoring shows elevated vapor levels, so the shop switches to an aqueous cleaner, adds local exhaust ventilation and provides chemical-resistant gloves.
Short-term symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness and eye or throat irritation. Long-term exposure can cause memory and concentration problems, nerve damage and skin conditions.
No. Glove materials resist different chemicals differently, so check the manufacturer's chemical resistance guide for the specific solvent and exposure time.
Yes, an air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges can be used when concentrations are within its protection factor and a cartridge change schedule is in place.
Part of SafetyIQ's EHS glossary: plain-English definitions of workplace health and safety terms.
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