Solvents in Construction

Health Hazards

Oct 27

Date Posted: 10/28/2023

According to OSHA, “Millions of workers are exposed to solvents on a daily basis. Health hazards associated with solvent exposure include toxicity to the nervous system, reproductive damage, liver and kidney damage, respiratory impairment, cancer, and dermatitis. Solvents share many chemical, physical, and biological properties that warrant national attention be directed to them as a group. In addition, many solvent groups or individual substances have special properties requiring more specialized control measures.” Solvents, often known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), are used to dissolve or dilute other substances and can be found in many construction products, such as paints, paint strippers, thinners, and glues. Common solvents used in workplaces include alcohol, turpentine, acetone, formaldehyde, toluene, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene. There are many others.

How Can You Get Exposed to Solvents in the Workplace?

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), solvents are used in many industries. They are used in paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, glues, and in degreasing and cleaning agents, and in the production of dyes, polymers, plastics, textiles, printing inks, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals. Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to organic solvents. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. Solvents can cause exposure through the following routes of entry:

Inhalation (breathing) - paints and other products give off solvent vapors as they are applied, dried, or cured.
Skin contact (absorption) - some solvents can be absorbed through the skin. Repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid solvents may cause burns or dermatitis.
Eye contact - contact with liquid solvent and solvent vapor can cause irritation and inflammation.
Ingestion - you can take solvents into your body on contaminated food, drink, and cigarettes.

Different solvents can affect your health in different ways. High airborne concentrations of some solvents can cause unconsciousness and death. Exposure to lower levels of solvents can lead to short-term effects, including irritation of the eyes, lungs, and skin, headaches, nausea, dizziness, or light-headedness. Repeated exposure to solvents can also have long-term effects on your health. These may include dermatitis and liver, kidney, or neurological diseases. If you are unsure what solvent your product contains, check the product label, or ask your supplier for a safety data sheet (SDS).

Reducing Harmful Exposure to Solvents – Elimination & Substitution

Think about eliminating or reducing solvent risks where possible.

Use products containing little or no solvents, such as water-based paints.
If you cannot eliminate the use of a solvent or solvents, consider substituting the solvent with a less hazardous substance.
Avoid spraying products with solvents if possible. This causes the solvent to get airborne in liquid particles and becomes an inhalation hazard.
Prevent unnecessary solvent evaporation by using the minimum amount necessary for the job - keep lids on containers and use sealed containers for solvent-contaminated waste. Do not leave solvent-contaminated rags lying around.
Do not use solvents to remove paint, grease, etc., from your skin.

If You Must Use Them, How Can You Protect Yourself from Hazardous Solvent Exposure in the Workplace?

Even if you minimize some risks this way, you may still need to control solvent risks. Control this by using the appropriate measures below, and ensure that these measures remain in place during the use of the product and until any mist or vapor has cleared:

Read the product labels and the solvents’ Safety Data Sheets (SDS). They list the hazards, health effects, and safe handling procedures.
Isolation & Segregation - keep all non-essential people away from the work area until the risk has been minimized.
Adequate ventilation is always important. Ensure that fresh air in the work area is sufficient. Open doors and windows. In many circumstances, mechanical ventilation will be required to reduce exposure to below exposure limits.
Respiratory protection may be required where ventilation does not provide enough control to reduce exposure to a non-hazardous level. The type of respiratory protection depends on the product(s) used, work methods, and exposure. Selecting the correct filter and ensuring wearers are fit-tested is particularly important for respirators. For example, particulate filters protect against spray mist but do not protect you from solvent vapors. You will need the right gas/vapor filter for these.
Eye protection - wear eye protection (such as chemical goggles or a face shield) when doing work where splashes/aerosol may get into the eyes. This must be compatible with any respiratory protection used.
Gloves should be suitable for the products that are used. Many solvents may require single-use nitrile, butyl, or other impervious gloves. For some particularly hazardous solvents, single-use nitrile gloves will not be adequate, and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be consulted for specific gloves needed. Ensure the breakthrough time and permeation rate are sufficient for the chemical type and length of the work. Check with the glove manufacturer for specific information.
Use protective clothing that is appropriate for the type of chemical and work activity. Like gloves, the type of material and coverage are important. Manufacturers of chemical-protective suits or clothing can provide information on the type and level of protection offered by their products.
Prohibit welding, cutting, soldering, and other ignition sources in areas where solvents are used.
Ensure that workers understand the first aid procedures for the solvent being used. Consult the SDS before using the solvent.
Train: Workers need to know whether their products contain solvents and how to use the controls properly. They must also know the signs and symptoms of ill health from solvent exposure.

General Safety Tips for Working with or Around Solvents

Don’t eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in an area that contains solvents.
Don’t leave food or beverages, mugs, or utensils in solvent work or storage areas.
Don’t wash with solvents. They may do an effective cleaning job but can also harm the skin.
Wash thoroughly after handling solvents.
Don’t wear contact lenses when working with solvents—they can trap vapors.
Remove contaminated PPE carefully to avoid spreading the solvent to the skin, clothing, or clean parts of the site.