Solvents

If you work with adhesives, paints, thinners, printing inks and various cleansing and degreasing agents, you need to know about the health hazards of organic solvents. White spirit, turpentine and kerosene are familiar examples of organic solvents. Other common solvents in industry are 111-tricholorethylene, toluene and xylene.

Solvents typically enter the body through inhaling the vapours but they can also be absorbed through the skin. The first effects are often similar to drinking too much alcohol. You may experience a light-head feeling, a slower reaction time, giddiness and nausea. Loss of consciousness may follow. Any of these effects could cause a work accident.

Over time, with continued exposure, some solvents cause damage to the nervous system. You may experience mood changes, tiredness, irritability and depression, affecting your relationships with other people. Your sex life may be affected. If that's not enough, you may also suffer liver and kidney damage.

It's important to know about the health effects of all the solvents you work with, and the health and safety measures required. This information is given on the Material Safety Data Sheet for that product.

Employers must take all practicable steps to prevent employees being harmed. This means eliminating the use of solvents where possible, substituting with less harmful substances, providing proper ventilation, and where necessary, supplying protective equipment such as respirators.