Think about how the solvent vapour, mist or liquid is being generated and how you might come into contact with it, take into account how much solvent is used and how long and how often you are exposed.

Whether there could be immediate or long term health effects.

Whether the solvent (or mixture) is absorbed through the skin.

There are long term (8 hours) and short term (15 minutes) also known as short-term exposure limits (STELs) WELs are exposure limits which must not be exceeded, averaged over a specified period of time, referred to as a time-weighted average (TWA).

Whether Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) have been defined.

High volatility solvents usually have a boiling point less than 50 oC and a vapour pressure greater than 25 kilo pascals, at room temperature.

Whether the solvent readily forms a vapour.

The Safety Data Sheet will give you information about: paints, etc) will provide a SafetyData Sheet. The supplier of the solvent or of any other materials containing solvents (e.g. Other possible effects, which are different from person to person, vary according to which solvent or solvent mixture a person is exposed to. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the skin may also cause dermatitis. The principal acute effects of exposure to solvents are irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs headache, nausea and dizziness.

If you use any of the solvents shown in the panel below, or any closely related materials, then you should read this guidance and be prepared to take what active steps you can to protect your own health. A large number of organic solvents are in regular use in many University schools.

Demo on effects of solvents