Chlorinated Solvents Health Effects: Understanding Risks and Precautions  

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Chlorinated solvents or organochlorines are organic solvents bonded with chlorine atoms. They are generally utilized as raw materials in product production and act as intermediates in synthesis or byproducts. Two organochlorines you might recognize are carbon tetrachloride and methylene chloride. However, these solvents come with various health risks to consider before utilizing them. This blog will discuss various health risks of organochlorines and some general safety precautions you should take.  

Health Risks of Utilizing Chlorinated Solvents in Products and Production  

Like many chemicals, organic solvents that contain chlorine are associated with numerous negative health effects. Several chlorinated solvents health effects include:  

  • Kidney/liver damage  
  • Damage to the central nervous system  
  • Reproductive harm  
  • Dizziness  
  • Fatigue  
  • Irritated skin/eyes  

Please remember that different chlorinated chemicals might come with unique possible health risks; it is recommended that you check out each product individually.  

Some Safety Precautions  

When using organochlorines, multiple safety precautions should be taken into consideration.   

First, make sure to wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling the chemicals. Each solvent you use will require slightly different PPE, but chemical and flame-resistant lab coats, eyewear, and gloves are essential.   

Please note that certain solvents will penetrate latex and nitrile gloves.   

Reading the Safety Data Sheets that are typically provided with the chemicals will assist you in choosing strong enough PPE for the solvent you are working with.   

Another safety precaution you should be concerned about is appropriately handling and storing the chemicals. Safety Data Sheets also prove useful in this aspect as well, as Section 7 of the document lists chemical handling and storage precautions.  

Interested in Learning More Information About Chlorinated Solvents?  

Ecolink would be happy to help! Our knowledgeable team can answer any questions you might have about solvents that contain chlorine, so do not hesitate to contact us! Also, feel free to look at the selection of products we offer in our shop. We have a wide variety of high-quality chemicals, such as solvents, available for purchase for new and returning customers. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today!

Exploring Chlorinated Solvents Uses in Industrial Applications  

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Chlorinated solvents have an abundance of uses in industrial applications. They are a chemical compound made up of two carbon atoms and at least one chlorine atom. The structure of these solvents is what allows the compound to absorb organic materials making them quite useful for a multitude of different applications. This blog will discuss different uses for chlorinated solvents and how these uses affect the many products that they aid in producing.  

What are chlorinated solvents used for?   

Commercial uses of chlorinated solvents are in various areas, such as metal working. There are also multiple industries that utilize these versatile solvents:   

  • Healthcare Industries  
  • Home Care Industries  
  • Transportation/Mobility Industries  
  • Electronics Industries  

The healthcare industries will use chlorinated solvents (such as methylene chloride) in the manufacturing of common pharmaceuticals such as:  

  •  Antibiotics  
  • Cholesterol treatments  
  • Flu vaccines 

Home care industries will use the chlorinated solvent carbon tetrachloride to manufacture refrigerants that keep several interior spaces cooled during hotter months.   

Chlorinated solvents (such as perchloroethylene) are used in the transportation industries. This chlorinated solvent is used to protect both aerospace and automotive parts. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of high-octane gasoline.   

Lastly, the electronics industry will use these solvents (such as chloroform) to create the high-tech, heat-resistant insulation used for wires. This chlorinate solvent can also be used in the production of heat and corrosion-resistant linings for pipes and reactors that are often used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.   

Looking for more information about chlorinated solvent uses?  

Here at Ecolink, we offer a plethora of informative blogs and eco-conscious/alternative chemical products for your industrial needs. We have been supplying industries like yours and more for over three decades! If you are interested in browsing through our products, then click here to access our shop! If you have any questions about any of our products, then you can click here to get in contact with one of our expert chemists today! We are here to help your industry thrive through both our eco-conscious products and the chemical knowledge that we provide! 

Chlorinated Solvents in Groundwater: Impact and Solution

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There are a variety of uses for chlorinated solvents, including being used in metal cleaning and polyvinylchloride (PVC) products. However, these solvents are finding their way into various places where they do not belong. One common place of error is in groundwater. This blog will discuss the impact and the solutions to finding these solvents in groundwater.   

What are the impacts of chlorinated solvents?  

Exposure to chlorinated solvents can happen if contaminated groundwater is:  

  • Ingested   
  • Used to cook with  
  • Used to shower or swim in  
  • Used to water gardens  

When exposed to chlorinated solvents, the type of side effects that one will experience depends on what they were exposed to.   

If someone was exposed to Tetrachloroethene (PCE) or Trichloroethene (TCE) over a short period, they would experience dizziness. However, if exposed for multiple years, they then would experience harm to the following:  

  • Central nervous system  
  • Kidney  
  • Liver  
  • Immune System  

If exposed to large amounts of Dichloroethane (DCE) they would experience nausea and drowsiness. Exposure over long periods could lead to liver damage.   

After being exposed to vinyl chloride one may experience dizziness. Once exposed for a period of time one can experience harm to several functions, such as kidney and liver function,  

Solutions to chlorinated solvent contaminations  

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released a revised plan for cleaning up chlorinated solvent contaminations. There are four treatment EPA approved methods effective at removing groundwater contaminants: 

  • Biological Treatments  
  • Chemical Treatments  
  • Physical Treatments  
  • Thermal Treatments  

Biological treatments involve adding or growing microorganisms that will clear away the contaminants. There are different types of treatments:  

  • Bioaugmentation  
  • Bioremediation  
  • Phytoremediation  

Chemical treatments use chemicals to convert hazardous contaminants into less toxic things. The different types of chemical treatments include:  

  • Chemical oxidation  
  • Chemical reduction  
  • Neutralization  

Physical treatments utilize the different physical properties of contaminants or the contaminated medium to separate the contamination from the medium. Different processes used in this treatment method include sparging and free product recovery.   

Lastly, thermal treatment uses heat to separate the contaminants from the medium, such as groundwater. Thermal treatments include:  

  • Electrical resistance heating   
  • Incineration  
  • Steam enhanced extraction  

Want to learn more?  

Here at Ecolink, we offer a multitude of informative blogs as well as eco-friendly cleaning products. We have provided businesses like yours with high-quality chemical services for over thirty years. If you would like to learn more about industrial chemical topics through our informative blogs, click here! If you have any questions about our products or other services, then click here to talk with one of our experienced staff today! 

Chlorinated Solvents: Uses and Alternatives in Industrial Settings  

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These solvents are inside various industrial applications due to their effectiveness as cleaning agents and degreasers. Without their properties, many industries would not be able to cleanse property. However, growing environmental concerns and health risks associated with these solvents have prompted businesses to explore safer and more sustainable alternatives. This blog post will delve into the industrial uses of these solvents and explore the alternatives that promote environmental responsibility and workplace safety.   

Uses of Chlorinated Solvents  

These solvents have been extensively used in industrial processes for decades due to their exceptional power. For example, they remove contaminants from metal parts and machinery in industrial operations.   

These solvents also are utilized for stripping paint and coatings from surfaces during refurbishing and restoration processes. These solvents help remove adhesives and glues from various substrates, making them valuable in industries like automotive and construction.  

Challenges and Health Risks  

Despite their effectiveness, chlorinated solvents present several challenges and health risks. These solvents are persistent organic pollutants that can contribute to ground and water contamination, posing risks to ecosystems and wildlife. Prolonged exposure to chlorinated solvents can lead to adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and neurological disorders. Due to their environmental and health implications, regulatory agencies have imposed restrictions on the use and disposal of these solvents.   

Alternatives to Chlorinated Solvents  

Seeing the effects that accompany the use of these solvents, here are some alternatives to consider:  

  • Hydrocarbon solvents   
  • Oxygenated solvents  
  • Aqueous cleaners  

Where Can I Find More Information?  

While these solvents have been used in industrial settings, their negative environmental impact and health risks have raised concerns among businesses and regulatory bodies. As a result, the industry’s transition towards safer and more sustainable alternatives is becoming imperative. To further aid in shedding light on the use of chlorinated solvents and other harmful chemicals, Ecolink is encouraging companies to embrace greener solvents. To browse a list of our environmentally conscious products, visit our online store today! Or, to find out which solvent is best for your business needs, contact our team of expert chemists here. 

Dielectric Cleaner: Effective Electrical Equipment Cleaning

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In the realm of industrial maintenance, electrical equipment cleaning is of paramount importance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Dielectric cleaners are highly effective solutions for cleaning sensitive electrical components and devices. These specialized cleaners possess unique properties that make them ideal for precision cleaning without compromising the integrity of electrical systems. This blog post will look at the benefits and applications of dielectric cleaners, emphasizing their role in ensuring efficient and safe electrical equipment cleaning.   

Advantages of Dielectric Cleaners  

Dielectric cleaners offer numerous advantages that make them indispensable for electrical equipment cleaning. One primary benefit is their ability to insulate electrical components. By providing a protective barrier between conductive parts, these cleaners prevent electrical arcing and short circuits. Cleaners that are dielectric are non-conductive; making them safe for use on live electrical equipment without causing electrical disturbances or damage. These cleaners are also compatible with a wide range of materials, including metals and rubber. This makes them suitable for cleaning diverse electrical components.  

Applications of Dielectric Cleaners  

Dielectric cleaners are used on various delicate electronic components; their precision cleaning properties ensure the removal of contaminants without causing harm to sensitive parts. In industrial settings, dielectric cleaners are used for routine maintenance of electrical equipment, such as transformers and relays. Cleaning these devices with dielectric cleaners can help prevent issues caused by dirt and contaminants.  

 Additionally, dielectric cleaners play a crucial role in power generation and distribution facilities, used to ensure smooth operations and reduce the risk of breakdowns or failures.   

Proper Usage and Safety Measures  

Though dielectric cleaners are useful, there are some considerations to be mindful of when using them:  

  • Ventilation – adequate ventilation is essential for dissipating fumes and minimizing inhalation exposure for workers, especially in enclosed environments  
  • Personal protection equipment (PPE) – workers handling dielectric cleaners should always wear appropriate PPE, such as safety goggles and gloves, to avoid direct contact  
  • Excessive soaking – excessive soaking of electrical components in dielectric cleaners should be avoided, as prolonged exposure may lead to undesirable effects, such as corrosion  
  • Storage and disposal – dielectric cleaners should be stored in tightly sealed containers, away from ignition sources, and proper disposal protocols should be followed   

Where Can I Buy Dielectric Cleaners?  

Dielectric cleaners are indispensable tools for efficient and safe electrical equipment cleaning if you know how to use them properly. Their unique properties make them ideal for cleaning sensitive components in many industries. If your business needs help finding a dielectric cleaner or other chemical products, Ecolink can assist! We have over thirty years of experience supplying high-quality and in-bulk chemical solutions to industries like yours and are here to help your industry succeed! You can talk with our team of experts here or come to our online store today!