Toxicity of organic solvents

Abstract

Organic compounds like solvents are generally structures with varying numbers of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Most solvents are volatile. The property of quick evaporation makes solvents available for exposure and absorption into the body. In general, the toxicity of solvents is related to their ability to dissolve fatty materials. Solvents may also increase the toxicity of other materials by virtue of their ability to increase absorption. Occupational exposure to solvents has been associated with significant liver toxicity. The solvents are a large group of commercially important chemicals. Many of the properties that make solvents useful products assist in making them harmful. The property of high evaporation rates causes high concentrations to be found in industrial environments; the solubility of solvent vapours in biological tissues causes a general toxicity which is generic to most solvents. Organic solvents are hazardous. These hazards can be divided into danger hazards and toxic hazards.