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ILO: Solvents and the workplace (2014)

Description:

The term 'solvent' is applied to a large number of chemical substances which are used to dissolve or dilute other substances or materials. They are usually organic liquids. Many solvents are also used as chemical intermediates, fuels, and as components of a wide range of products, including cleaning and degreasing materials, paint removers, paints, inks, pesticides and toiletries. Industrial solvents are often mixtures of several individual substances and can be found under a variety of trade names.You are most likely to be exposed to solvents if you work in industries where they are used extensively. In the construction industry, for example, solvents act as carriers for surface coatings such as paints, varnishes and adhesives. 

This factsheet provides answers to the following questions:

  • What is a solvent?
  • Where are solvents used?
  • How can solvents enter your body and make your ill?
  • What are the main heath effects?
  • What precautions should you take?

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