Solvents are substances that are capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances. Organic solvents are carbon-based solvents (i.e., they contain carbon in their molecular structure). Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to organic solvents that are used in such products as paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, glues, and degreasing/cleaning agents, and in the production of dyes, polymers, plastics, textiles, printing inks, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals.
Many individual organic solvents are recognized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as carcinogens (e.g., benzene, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene), reproductive hazards (e.g., 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethanol, methyl chloride), and neurotoxins (e.g., n-hexane, tetrachloroethylene, toluene). Mixtures of organic solvents such as those found in mineral spirits, paint thinners, floor strippers, lubricants, print roller cleaners and rubber solvents are also known to cause certain cancers including lymphoma and leukemia. You might be surprised to learn that many household and commercial solvent products contain mixtures of organic solvents as well as benzene.
People who work with or around such chemicals are at risk for being exposed to the vapors released into the air when the products are used and getting the chemicals on their skin. This type of exposure may put the person at risk for developing lymphoma and leukemia years after exposure.