What are Safe Solvents and How You Can Help the Environment?
There are a number of solvents which can be used safely to protect the environment. The most commonly known is acetone. It occurs naturally in many plants and is even a byproduct produced by humans when metabolizing fats. It is not only safe to use, but also effective at cleaning metals, plastics, glass and fabrics. However it does have a strong smell so should be used with ventilation.
Another popular solvent is ethanol. This is another naturally occurring substance which is also produced by humans as a waste product; again it has a strong smell, but it is nevertheless an effective cleaner for any surface or material. It will also dissolve easily in water so can be used as an industrial cleaning fluid without harming the environment.
Other safe solvents include glycol ethers, ketones and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP). All of these are good alternatives to chlorinated solvents which can harm the environment if they are not disposed of properly.
What are Safe Solvents and How You Can Help the Environment?
Safe solvents are solvent alternatives to the traditional products you would use. For example, white spirit is a safe alternative to turpentine. It is a petroleum derived product that has a number of uses in house hold cleaning. A few examples of its uses include:
Stain removal from carpets and clothes
Removal of grease marks on your walls
Cleaning paint brushes that were used with oil based paint
The above are just some examples of how white spirit can be used. Many people prefer using this to turpentine because turpentine is more toxic and not as environmentally friendly as white spirit.
Safe Solvents and How You Can Help the Environment
Environmental issues are becoming a growing concern for businesses. From recycling to composting, many people are looking for ways to decrease their environmental impact.
It’s not just businesses that are examining their environmental footprint; consumers are also becoming more aware of the need to protect the environment. One way that businesses can accomplish this is by using solvents in their products and processes instead of petroleum-based chemicals.
Petroleum-based chemicals can cause pollution and harm the environment, but there are alternatives available. Solvents such as acetone, ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) can be used to replace some of the petroleum-based chemicals in your business’s operations or products.
Using solvents in your business can help reduce your carbon footprint, but it isn’t always easy to find solvents that are safe for you and the environment. That’s where we come in! At SafeSolvents, we carry a full line of solvents that are safe for you and the environment. Our products include naphtha, paint thinner, cleaning fluid, turpentine substitute and more!
SafeSolvents is
Solvents are chemical compounds that can dissolve another substance. The thing that is dissolved is called the solute. So, a solvent works as a medium for a reaction to take place in. Solvents are used in almost every industry and even at home, but the environmental impact of an improper use of solvents can be huge.
In this article we’ll explore what safe solvents are, how to use them and minimize the environmental impact.
Safe Solvents
The safe use of solvents goes beyond toxicological or regulatory aspects and includes basic guidelines that help avoid problems with the environment. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Avoiding spills, leaks and other discharges;
Properly storing solvents to prevent evaporation;
Using the minimum amount necessary for the job;
Utilizing pollution prevention techniques;
Recycling when possible; and
Properly disposing of any waste generated.
The most important principle is to avoid spills, leaks or other discharges into storm water or sewer systems by following these steps:
Maintain storage areas and containers in good condition;
Use drip trays under containers and machinery to contain
A solvent generally refers to a liquid that dissolves other substances. Many solvents have special uses, but most people can recognize paint thinner, nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol as common solvents. Solvents are used in a variety of applications in the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors.
Solvents are used in the manufacturing of everything from paint and ink to pharmaceuticals, food, adhesives and plastic. In addition, they are used for cleaning products and dry cleaning. Because solvents evaporate quickly and leave no residue, they are ideal for degreasing machines and other parts. Solvent-based cleaners also work well on electronics because they do not leave behind moisture or residue that could damage sensitive components.
Because solvents are so useful, their manufacture is big business all over the world. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been charged with regulating this industry in order to protect human health and the environment. The EPA has set rules for how much volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may be present in solvent-based products. VOCs evaporate at room temperature, releasing harmful pollutants into the air that contribute to smog and ozone depletion.
The EPA has set limits on the amount of VOC
Environmental problems are those which affect the entire world. These include, but are not limited to:
Global warming – the heating of the atmosphere due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Deforestation – cutting down trees for raw materials or to clear land for use.
Water pollution – a result of people dumping rubbish, chemicals and other pollutants into rivers, lakes and oceans.
Loss of biodiversity – the extinction of species as a result of changes in climate, habitats and ecosystems.
Environmental issues can be seen by long term ecological effects, some of which can demolish whole environments. These environmental issues belong to any one person on earth and require our cooperation in order to solve them.