Degreasing solvents are products used for the removal of grease, oil, and dirt build-up. Varying from domestic spray to a fast-acting, potent industrial degreaser, these cleaning formulas are relied upon daily in living and working environments. Whether you are investigating ways to keep your family safe, or have concerns about risky employee health liability for your business, knowing the facts about degreasing solvents will help to avoid a potentially catastrophic situation.
Chemical Report: Two (Of Several) To Watch Out For
There is no question about it; chemicals are required for truly effective grease removal. Due to the compounds frequently found in degreasing solvents and the health risks associated with them, the question while shopping for these products should actually be; which chemicals are truly necessary, and at what cost to my health or business?
Trichloroethylene
Grease removal is the number one use for trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE. Exposure to TCE in the home or workplace causes minor symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and poor coordination. Major symptoms of exposure include nerve, heart, liver and kidney damage, unconsciousness, and even death.
Perchloroethylene
Minor inhalation exposure to Perc (Perchloroethylene) from a grease cleaner causes employees to be dizzy, drowsy, and uncoordinated while working with heavy manufacturing equipment. Major inhalation of Perc causes memory loss, vision impairment, and reduced reaction timing skills.
Regulation and Research
Hazardous risks of TCE and Perc found in degreasing solvents have resulted in strict national regulation policies from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). In addition, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has classified both Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene as their highest level of carcinogenic risk, second only to chemicals that have been medically documented and proven to cause cancer.
Safer Solvent Products for Families and Employees
Regardless of how a degreaser will be used and in what environments, health safety is an obvious concern. A family member cleans the home to provide comfortable and healthy living conditions, not to increase the potential for disaster. Business owners are liable for proper working conditions and the safety of employees, making the decision to choose an appropriate industrial degreaser a critical matter.
Safety Report: Who Is Watching Out For You?
The following are used as safer alternatives for hazardous degreasing compounds, including TCE and Perc:
n-Propyl Bromide
Nonylphenoxy Polyethoxy Ethanol
Citrus Terpene
Although these compounds do not qualify for any extreme federal regulations and hazardous classifications, or fall under carcinogenic suspicion, they are chemicals fully capable of removing grease in any home or high-powered trade industry. Purchasing degreasing solvents from suppliers who guarantee their products are compliant with current state, EPA, and OSHA regulations is an excellent way to provide safer cleaning materials to your family or business, and to feel confident you have made a wise choice to prevent a grease removal catastrophe.
Chemical compounds and the health risks associated with them are provided for domestic degreasing solvents users as well as business owners who purchase industrial degreasers for employees.
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