Solvent
Any substance that dissolves another substance, forming a solution.
"Inorganic" solvent, contains no carbon. Water is the most common inorganic solvent.
"Organic" solvent, contains carbon. Found in many products in the home: spot remover, degreaser, rug cleaners, oil based paint, aerosol sprays, furniture oil. All organic solvents are hazardous.
Examples of organic solvents: benzene, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, naphthas, kerosene.
Found in: dry cleaning solutions, nail polish removers, spot removers, paint thinners, glue solvents, laundry starch sprays.
Effects: Acute: adverse effects to the central nervous system (drunken effects), tissue damage to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs from splashes and/or fumes. Chronic: with long term exposure, the acute affects may be permanent. Neurotoxicity, cancer and organ damage to the liver, kidney and brain.
