Solvents
A variety of solvents with varying degrees of toxicity are used in construction. They are found in paints, glues, epoxies, and other products. Health hazards associated with solvent exposure include:
You can be exposed to many different health hazards while using solvents.
- toxicity to the nervous system,
- reproductive damage,
- liver and kidney damage,
- respiratory impairment, cancer, and
- dermatitis.
Generally, the possibility of exposure to excessive amounts of solvent vapors is greater when solvents are handled in enclosed or confined spaces.
Overexposure to solvents can:
- irritate your eyes, nose, or throat;
- make you dizzy or sleepy, give you a headache, or cause you to pass out;
- affect your judgment or coordination;
- cause internal damage to your body; and
- dry out or irritate your skin.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-7. Which of the following would be a symptom of overexposure to solvents?
You forgot to answer the question!