View source for Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Solvents

{{bctrail|segments=3|chaptitle=APPENDIX B: Common chemicals and materials}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Solvents}}
{{SideSupplement|bookabbreviation=wgthas|pagealt=is from pages 517 to 529 of|bookurl=Workers' Guide to Health and Safety|chapterpdf=http://hesperian.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/en_wgthas_2015/en_wgthas_2015_appb.pdf|booktitle=Workers' Guide to Health and Safety}}
{{chaptertoc|In this chapter:|
<ul>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:APPENDIX B: Common chemicals and materials|APPENDIX B: Common chemicals and materials]]
  </li>
    <li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Index of chemical names|Index of chemical names]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Acids|Acids]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Acid wash chemicals|Acid wash chemicals]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Ammonia and ammonium compounds|Ammonia and ammonium compounds]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Dopant gases|Dopant gases]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Dyes|Dyes]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Flame retardants|Flame retardants]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Fluxes|Fluxes]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Formaldehyde|Formaldehyde]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Isocyanates|Isocyanates]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Mercapto-based rubber accelerators|Mercapto-based rubber accelerators]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Metals|Metals]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Noble gases|Noble gases]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Phthalates|Phthalates]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Polymers|Polymers]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Radiation|Radiation]]</li>
<li>[[Workers' Guide to Health and Safety:Solvents|Solvents]]</li>
</ul>}}
Solvents come in liquid form and are used as cleaners, added to glues to make them stronger or quicker to dry, and are part of many mixes of chemicals in shoe, garment, and electronics industries.

Most solvents quickly burn and explode when exposed to heat. They also release more vapors and fumes when heated.

There are many "families" of solvents. Here you will find these solvents: [[#alcohol|alcohol]], [[#aliphatic|aliphatic hydrocarbon]], [[#aromatic|aromatic hydrocarbons]], [[#chlorinated|chlorinated hydrocarbons]], [[#ester|ester]], [[#glycol|glycol ether]], and [[#ketone|ketone]]. Solvents that are similar share many qualities, and are often used in the same processes. In some families, there are several chemicals that are more dangerous than other chemicals in the same family. Some entire families of solvents are dangerous to people’s health, for example, [[#aromatic|aromatic hydrocarbons]] and [[#chlorinated|chlorinated hydrocarbons]]. The best way to protect workers who use solvents is to ban the most dangerous solvents and find less dangerous substitutes.

The charts include only some of the solvents that exist. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Learn_about_chemicals_used_in_your_factory|Learn about chemicals used in your factory]] and [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:APPENDIX_B:_Common_chemicals_and_materials#info|how to find information about other solvents]]. See the [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Index_of_chemical_names|Index of chemical names]] to find alternative names for solvents.

====Prevent or reduce exposure:====
*Use ventilation systems that extract fumes and replace or dilute dirty air with clean air (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_17:_Ventilation|Chapter 17: Ventilation]]).
*Enclose operations whenever possible.
*Do not mix or pour solvents by hand.
*Use gloves when workers are handling solvents directly (cleaning). Wear correct respirators that fit you. All protective clothing should be clean, available each day, put on before work, and never taken home with you (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]).
*Have an emergency plan that includes first aid treatment and protective equipment for spills, splashes, and accidental exposures. Keep necessary emergency supplies at the work site well stocked and accessible to workers.
*Work areas where solvents are used, stored, and mixed need to be controlled for heat and monitored for concentration of fumes and vapors. The work areas should also have alarms, fire extinguishers, and a fire emergency plan (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_11:_Fire|Chapter 11: Fire]]).


<div id="alcohol"></div>
{{ChemChart|Alcohol solvents|
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Ethyl alcohol''' (ethanol, ethyl hydrate, ethyl hydroxide)|CAS No. 64-17-5|fire|repro|cancer-maybe|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Isopropyl alcohol''' (2-propanol, IPA)|CAS No. 67-63-0|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Methyl alcohol''' (''Carbinol'', methanol, methylol)|CAS No. 67-56-1|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHAT ARE THEY?|'''Alcohol solvents''' are colorless liquids. '''Ethanol''' smells a little like wine. '''IPA''' smells musty. '''Methanol''' has a slightly sweet odor.}}
{{ChemChartSection|DO YOU WORK WITH THEM?|'''Alcohol solvents''' are used as cleaners. They are used to make rubber for shoes, to spot clean fabric, to electroplate, and in printed circuit boards. '''IPA''' and '''methanol''' are the most common.}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY|
{{ChemChartSubsection|SKIN|
They irritate your skin. After continued or repeated exposure to '''alcohols''', you may develop a skin rash, redness, and dryness. Your skin might start peeling, itching, and cracking. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|EYES|
They irritate, burn, and can cause permanent damage to the eyes. '''Methanol''' will blur your vision and can cause blindness. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|NOSE/LUNGS|
The fumes can irritate your nose and throat, causing coughing and wheezing. Breathing the vapors can make you feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, and even pass out. '''IPA''' can slow down your pulse and lower your blood pressure, and at high levels it can cause hallucinations. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#breathe|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|MOUTH/BELLY|They can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Larger amounts could cause loss of consciousness. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#mouth|First Aid]] and seek medical attention.}}
}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED OVER TIME:|
'''All alcohols''' can harm your liver, kidneys, and nervous system. '''Alcohols''' can enter into a mother’s milk and pass to a baby through breastfeeding.

'''Ethanol''' can cause miscarriages, birth defects, and other problems. It may cause cancer of the liver, esophagus, breast, prostate, and colorectum.

'''Isopropyl alcohol''' may damage a baby in the womb.

'''Methanol''' may damage a baby in the womb.}}
{{ChemChartSection|IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF EXPOSURE:|
Use butyl gloves. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves will not protect you from '''alcohol solvents'''. If you’re working with '''alcohols''' as liquids, use indirect-vent, impact- and splash-resistant goggles (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]).

If there is no ventilation installed, or if you are doing maintenance work and you do not know the level of '''alcohol''' in the air, use a [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Masks_and_respirators#Respirators with filters|respirator that can filter]] '''solvents'''}}
}} 


<div id="aliphatic"></div>
{{ChemChart|Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents (petroleum distillates)|
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''2,2-Dimethylbutane''' (neohexane)|CAS No. 75-83-2|fire|empty|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''2-Methylpentane''' (isohexane)|CAS No. 107-83-5|fire|empty|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Cyclohexane''' (benzene hexahydride, hexamethylene) |CAS No. 110-82-7|fire|empty|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Heptane''' (dipropyl methane, heptyl hydride)|CAS No. 142-82-5|fire|empty|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Hexane''' (hexyl hydride, n-hexane)|CAS No. 110-54-3|empty|repro-maybe|empty|death}}

{{ChemChartSection|WHAT ARE THEY?'''|Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents''' are colorless liquids. '''Hexane''' and '''heptane''' have a mild, gasoline-like smell. '''Cyclohexane''' has a strong, sweet smell.}}
{{ChemChartSection|DO YOU WORK WITH THEM?|'''Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents''' are used in glues for shoes and as cleaners in electronics. They are used in surface coatings and adhesives. '''Cyclohexane''' is used to make nylon.}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY|
{{ChemChartSubsection|SKIN|
They can irritate and burn your skin. If they get on your skin repeatedly, your skin will become dry, cracked, and red and you might develop a rash. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|EYES|
They can irritate the eyes. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|NOSE/LUNGS|
Inhalation of these solvents can lead to irritation of the nose and throat. Breathing the vapors can cause you to feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, and short of breath, and even pass out. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#breathe|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|MOUTH/BELLY|They can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#mouth|First Aid]] and seek medical attention.}}
}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED OVER TIME:|
'''All aliphatic hydrocarbons''' can affect your brain, causing headaches and dizziness.

'''2,2-dimethylbutane''' can cause irregular heartbeat.

'''Cyclohexane''' may permanently damage the liver and kidney. It can cause headaches, convulsions, and other problems with the nervous system.

'''Heptane''' can cause damage to the nervous system, causing reduced coordination and personality changes, fatigue, and reduced memory and concentration.

'''Hexane''' can damage the nervous system, causing problems with coordination, memory and concentration, personality changes, and fatigue. It may damage the testes. High doses can be fatal.}}
{{ChemChartSection|IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF EXPOSURE:|
Use nitrile or ''Viton'' gloves and eye/face protection (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]).

Use a [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Masks_and_respirators#Respirators with filters|respirator that can filter]] organic '''solvents'''. 
}} 
{{ChemChartSection|SAFER SUBSTITUTES:|'''Heptane''' is less toxic than '''hexane'''.}}
}}


<div id="aromatic"></div>
{{ChemChart|Aromatic hydrocarbon solvents|
{{ChemChartChemRow|banned|'''Benzene''' (benzine, benzol) |CAS No. 71-43-2|fire|repro-maybe|cancer|death}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|banned|'''Styrene''' (ethenyl benzene, vinylbenzene)|CAS No. 100-42-5|fire|repro-maybe|cancer-maybe|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Toluene''' (methyl benzene, methyl benzol, toluol)|CAS No. 108-88-3|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Xylene''' (dimethyl benzene, methyl toluene, xylol) |CAS No. 1330-20-7|fire|repro-maybe|cancer-maybe|empty}}

{{ChemChartSection|WHAT ARE THEY?|'''Aromatic hydrocarbon solvents''' are clear, colorless to light yellow liquids that have sweet odors.}}
{{ChemChartSection|DO YOU WORK WITH THEM?|'''Aromatic hydrocarbon solvents''' are found in garment, shoe, and electronics factories. '''Toluene''' is a common additive for glues in shoes, and '''styrene''' is found in resins that reinforce plastics in electronics.}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY|
{{ChemChartSubsection|SKIN|
They irritate your skin and lead to dermatitis, which results in skin rash, dryness, redness, and a burning feeling. '''Benzene''' can cause blisters. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|EYES|
They irritate your eyes. '''Benzene''' can make you blind. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|NOSE/LUNGS|
The fumes can irritate your nose and throat, causing coughing and wheezing. Breathing the vapors can cause headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, weakness, and loss of consciousness. '''Benzene''' can cause bronchitis, lung edema, and pneumonia. It can cause problems with the heart. Breathing a lot of '''benzene''' (20,000 ppm) can kill you in 10 to 15 minutes. '''Toluene''' affects the nervous system, causing difficulty thinking, slow reflexes, dilated pupils, anxiety, and weakness. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#breathe|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|MOUTH/BELLY|'''Benzene''' and '''xylene''' can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. '''Benzene''' can cause rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and respiratory failure, all of which can be fatal. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#mouth|First Aid]] and seek medical attention.}}
}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED OVER TIME:|
'''All aromatic hydrocarbons''' can damage your liver, kidneys, brain, and the nervous system.

'''Benzene''' can cause problems with the blood and destroy blood cells. This can cause aplastic anemia. It may cause birth defects. It can cause leukemia (cancer of the blood).

'''Styrene''' may cause birth defects and other reproductive health problems. It may cause lung cancer.

'''Toluene''' may cause birth defects.

'''Xylene''' may cause birth defects. It may cause cancer. Higher exposures can cause coma.}}
{{ChemChartSection|IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF EXPOSURE:|
Use polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ''Silver Shield'', or ''Viton'' gloves. If you work with '''aromatic hydrocarbons''' as liquids, use indirect vent, impact- and splash-resistant goggles. If you are exposed to fumes, gas, or vapor forms of these '''solvents''', use non-vented, impact-resistant goggles (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]).

Use a [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Masks_and_respirators#Respirators with filters|respirator that can filter]] '''solvents'''.
}} 
{{ChemChartSection|SAFER SUBSTITUTES:|'''Toluene''' has been used as a safer alternative to '''benzene'''. However, '''toluene''' is still toxic.}}
}}


<div id="chlorinated"></div>
{{ChemChart|Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents|
{{ChemChartChemRow|banned|'''Carbon tetrachloride''' (''Freon 10'', tetrachloromethane)|CAS No. 56-23-5|fire|repro-maybe|cancer-maybe|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Dichloropropane''' (DCP, propylene dichloride)|CAS No. 78-87-5|fire|empty|cancer|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Methyl chloroform''' (1,1,1-trichloroethane, chloroethene)|CAS No. 71-55-6|fire|repro-maybe|cancer-maybe|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Methylene chloride''' (DCM, dichloromethane)|CAS No. 75-09-2|fire|empty|cancer-maybe|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Tetrachloroethylene''' (PERC, carbon dichloride, ethylene tetrachloride, perchloroethylene)|CAS No. 127-18-4|empty|repro-maybe|cancer|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|banned|'''Trichloroethylene''' (TCE, ethinyl trichloride, trichloroethene)|CAS No. 79-01-6|fire|repro|cancer|empty}}

{{ChemChartSection|WHAT ARE THEY?|'''Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents''' are colorless liquids that contain chlorine. They have a mild, sweet smell.}}
{{ChemChartSection|DO YOU WORK WITH THEM?|'''Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents''' are used as cleaners. They are used to make rubber for shoes, degreasers in electroplating, and as agents in wafer production and semiconductor cleaning.}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY|
{{ChemChartSubsection|SKIN|
They can irritate your skin. '''Carbon tetrachloride''' can burn your skin. '''TCE''' might make you allergic, and you will have a reaction even at low exposure levels. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|EYES|
They can irritate and burn the eyes. '''Carbon tetrachloride''' can make you blind if it gets in your eyes. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|NOSE/LUNGS|
The fumes can irritate your nose and throat. Breathing the fumes can cause you to feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, and to pass out. Often you will also have poor equilibrium, lack of coordination, mental confusion, and numb and tingling limbs. Inhaling '''Dichloropropane''' and '''PERC''' fumes can create a buildup of fluid in the lungs, called lung edema. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#breathe|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|MOUTH/BELLY|They can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#mouth|First Aid]] and seek medical attention.}}
}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED OVER TIME:|
'''All chlorinated hydrocarbons''' can damage the liver and kidneys.

'''Carbon tetrachloride''' can lead to coma. It may damage a baby in the womb and reduce fertility in men. It may cause cancer.

'''Dichloropropane''' can cause liver cancer.

'''Methyl chloroform''' may cause miscarriages and birth defects. It also may cause liver and kidney cancer.

'''Methylene chloride''' may cause lung, liver, and breast cancer.

'''PERC''' may damage a baby in the womb, decrease fertility in men and women, and cause miscarriages. It can cause many types of cancer including liver, esophagus, bladder, lung, and leukemia (cancer of the blood).

'''TCE''' can lead to irregular heartbeat. It can cause birth defects and it can cause liver, kidney, and lung cancer.}}
{{ChemChartSection|IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF EXPOSURE:|
Use gloves. If you are working with these chemicals in liquid form, use indirect-vent, impact- and splash resistant goggles. If you are exposed to fumes, gas, or vapors, use non-vented goggles (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]).

Use a [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Masks_and_respirators#Respirators with filters|respirator that can filter]] '''solvents'''.}} 
{{ChemChartSection|SAFER SUBSTITUTES:|'''Bromopropane''' has been used as a safer substitute for '''TCE'''. But it can cause cancer so it is not a real solution.}}
}}

<div id="ester"></div>
{{ChemChart|Ester solvents|
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Butyl acetate''' (butyl ethanoate, n-butyl ester) |CAS No. 123-86-4|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Ethyl acetate''' (ethyl ethanoate)|CAS No. 141-78-6|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Isobutyl acetate''' (2-methyl-1-propyl acetate, 2-methylpropyl acetate)|CAS No. 110-19-0|fire|empty|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHAT ARE THEY?|'''Ester solvents''' are colorless liquids with a pleasant, fragrant, fruity odor. '''Butyl acetate''' smells like bananas.}}
{{ChemChartSection|DO YOU WORK WITH THEM?|'''Ester solvents''' are used in garments, shoes, and electronics as glues, surface cleaners, and to make plastic materials.}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY|
{{ChemChartSubsection|SKIN|
They can irritate and burn your skin. If they get on your skin repeatedly, your skin will become dry, cracked, and red and you might develop a rash. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|EYES|
They can irritate and burn the eyes. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|NOSE/LUNGS|
The fumes can irritate your nose and throat. Breathing the vapors can cause you to feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, and to pass out. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#breathe|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|MOUTH/BELLY|They can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#mouth|First Aid]] and seek medical attention.}}
}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED OVER TIME:|
'''Butyl acetate''' may damage a baby in the womb. '''Butyl acetate''' can irritate your lungs and damage your nervous system. You may develop bronchitis along with coughing, phlegm, and shortness of breath.

'''Ethyl acetate''' may damage liver and kidneys. It may decrease fertility in men.}}
{{ChemChartSection|IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF EXPOSURE:|
Use neoprene or butyl rubber gloves and eye/face protection (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]).

Use [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Masks_and_respirators#Respirators with filters|respirator that can filter]] '''solvents'''.}}
}} 


<div id="glycol"></div>
{{ChemChart|Glycol ether solvents|
{{ChemChartChemGroup|ETHYLENE-BASED GLYCOL ETHERS<br>These are more toxic and have “ethanol” or “ethylene” in the name.}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Ethylene glycol butyl ether''' (EGBE, 2-butoxyethanol, ''Butyl Cellosolve'')|CAS No. 111-76-2|fire|repro-maybe|cancer-maybe|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Ethylene glycol ethyl ether''' (EGEE, 2-ethoxyethanol, ''Ethyl Cellosolve'')|CAS No. 110-80-5|fire|repro|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|banned|'''Ethylene glycol methyl ether''' (EGME, 2-methoxyethanol, ''Methyl Cellosolve'')|CAS No. 109-86-4|fire|repro|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemGroup|PROPYLENE-BASED GLYCOL ETHERS<br>These are less toxic and have “propanol” or “propylene” in their name.}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''1-Methoxy 2-propanol''' (propylene glycol methyl ether) |CAS No. 107-98-2|fire|empty|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''2-Methoxy 1-propanol''' (1-propylene glycol-2-methyl ether, propylene glycol monomethylether)|CAS No. 1589-47-5|fire|repro|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHAT ARE THEY?|'''Glycol ether solvents''' are colorless liquids. They have a mild, pleasant smell or no smell at all.}}
{{ChemChartSection|DO YOU WORK WITH THEM?|'''Glycol ether solvents''' are used as cleaners, dyes, and coatings in shoe, garment and electronics factories. They are often ingredients of proprietary mixes.}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY|
{{ChemChartSubsection|SKIN|
They irritate and burn your skin. You may develop a skin rash, redness, and dryness. Your skin might start peeling, itching, and cracking. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|EYES|
They irritate and burn your eyes. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|NOSE/LUNGS|
Some '''glycol ethers''' evaporate quickly and can easily be inhaled. Their fumes can irritate your nose and throat, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Breathing the vapors can cause you to feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, disoriented, and tired. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#breathe|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|MOUTH/BELLY|They can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#mouth|First Aid]] and seek medical attention.}}
}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED OVER TIME:|
'''All glycol ethers''' can harm your liver, kidneys, and nervous system, causing trembling and weakness. '''Glycol ethers''' can enter mother’s milk and pass to a baby through breastfeeding. 

'''Ethylene-based glycol ethers''' can cause anemia by damaging red blood cells and bone marrow. Some '''ethylene-based glycol ethers''' can decrease fertility in women and men and damage the baby in the womb.

'''Ethylene glycol butyl ether''' may cause liver cancer.

'''Ethylene glycol ethyl ether''' is slightly less toxic, but can also decrease fertility in women and men and harm the baby in the womb.

'''Ethylene glycol methyl ether''' can cause changes in personality, memory loss, and chronic headaches. Breathing large amounts may damage the spleen and produce bloody urine. It can decrease fertility in women and men, damage the testes, and is extremely toxic to the baby in the womb.

'''Propylene-based glycol ethers''' are less dangerous than '''ethylene-based glycol ethers'''.

'''2-methoxy, 1-propanol''' can damage the baby in the womb.}}
{{ChemChartSection|IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF EXPOSURE:|
Use butyl rubber gloves. If these are not available, use neoprene or nitrile gloves. Use eye/face protection (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]).

Use a [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Masks_and_respirators#Respirators with filters|respirator that can filter]] '''glycol ethers'''.}}
{{ChemChartSection|SAFER SUBSTITUTIONS:|'''Glycol ethers''' such as '''propyl ether, isopropyl ether''', and '''phenyl ether''' are less harmful to the reproductive organs and baby inside the womb. '''Propylene-based glycol ethers''' are safer than '''ethylene-based glycol ethers'''.}}
}} 


<div id="ketone"></div>
{{ChemChart|Ketone solvents|
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Acetone''' (2-propanone, dimethyl ketone, pyroacetic acid) |CAS No. 67-64-1|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|banned|'''Methyl butyl ketone''' (MBK, butyl methyl ketone, hexan-2-one, methyl n-butyl ketone)|CAS No. 591-78-6|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|banned|'''Methyl ethyl ketone''' (MEK, 2-butanone, butanone, ethyl methyl ketone)|CAS No. 78-93-3|fire|repro-maybe|empty|empty}}
{{ChemChartChemRow|empty|'''Methyl isobutyl ketone''' (MIBK, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, isobutyl methyl ketone)|CAS No. 108-10-1|fire|empty|cancer-maybe|empty}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHAT ARE THEY?|'''Ketone solvents''' are colorless liquids that have a pleasant, sweet or mint-like smell.}}
{{ChemChartSection|DO YOU WORK WITH THEM?|'''Ketone solvents''' are added to glues for shoes. They are used in surface coatings on electronics, as adhesives for PVC pipes, and as cleaners in shoes, garments, and electronics. '''MIBK''' is added to the rubber in shoes.}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BODY|
{{ChemChartSubsection|SKIN|
They can cause skin irritation. If they get on your skin repeatedly, your skin will become dry, cracked, and red and you might develop a rash. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|EYES|
They can irritate and burn the eyes. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#eyes|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|NOSE/LUNGS|
The fumes can irritate your nose and throat, causing coughing and wheezing. Breathing the vapors can cause you to feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, and to pass out. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#breathe|First Aid]].}}
{{ChemChartSubsection|MOUTH/BELLY|They can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. See [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:First_aid_for_chemicals#mouth|First Aid]] and seek medical attention.}}
}}
{{ChemChartSection|WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED OVER TIME:|
'''All ketones''' can damage the nervous system causing weakness and poor coordination in the hands and feet. They can damage the liver and kidneys.

'''MBK''' and '''acetone''' may reduce fertility in men. '''Acetone''' may cause miscarriages.

'''MEK''' may cause birth defects. 

'''MIBK''' may cause cancer.}}
{{ChemChartSection|IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF EXPOSURE:|
Use butyl rubber gloves and eye/face protection (see [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Chapter_18:_Personal_protective_equipment_(PPE)|Chapter 18: Personal protective equipment]]). 

Use a [[Workers'_Guide_to_Health_and_Safety:Masks_and_respirators#Respirators with filters|respirator that can filter]] organic '''solvents'''.}}

}} 



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