WHAT ARE SOLVENTS

Organic solvents can be classified into three groups based on their chemical structure:

• Oxygenated solvents – substances like alcohols, ketones, esters, and glycol ethers fall into this category. These types of solvents are used when high solvency power is needed. They can also be used for water based formulations such as detergents and water based paints.
• Hydrocarbon solvents – these are paraffinic, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. They are typically used in applications where there is low solvency power and good separation from water is required.
• Halogenated solvents – this category consists of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents.

An organic solvent contains carbon molecules – one of the basic building blocks of life. Water is also a solvent but is classified as inorganic because its chemical structure does not contain carbon.

Solvents need to be managed carefully due to their volatility and general flammability, in particular during loading and unloading, storage and when using large quantities. The solvents industry works closely with transporters, distributors and customers to ensure that adequate precautions and procedures are in place when handling solvents.

Solvents are subject to the European Union’s classification and labelling requirements that identify the main hazards of a product through symbols and risk/safety phrases on container labels. For example, where appropriate labels include information about:

• Flammability
• Risk of irritation to skin and eyes (a minority of hydrocarbon and oxygenated solvents)
• Risk of lung aspiration hazard if accidentally swallowed