Benzene is a hydrocarbon industrial solvent used in various industries, such as in the production of rubbers, lubricants, plastics, synthetic fibers, resins, and dyes. The chemical is also present in various paint products such as paint thinners, paint removers, and varnish removers. Though a widely used solvent in the U.S., companies, and industries are beginning to avoid using benzene and using replacements due to the multiple health and environmental risks associated with it:
- Carcinogenic (causing leukemia and various blood disorders/cancers)
- Highly flammable
- Potential to damage the immune system by altering antibody levels
- Can cause anemia (by causing the bone marrow to produce fewer blood cells)
- Potential reproductive toxin
- Air pollutant (can react with volatile chemicals in the air to produce smog, which can trickle into the rain and contaminate soil and water)
- Water contaminant
- Can damage the eyes, skin, or respiratory system with contact or inhalation
Many companies relied on benzene as a solvent because of its versatility, reliability, and effectiveness. But the pros no longer outweigh the cons when efficient, eco-friendly, and worker-friendly alternatives are now widely available.
What Are Some Options That Will Enable Companies to Avoid Using Benzene?
There are options that work just as effectively as industrial solvents and ensure a significantly safer workspace and less contribution to environmental damage:
- Acetone
- Ethanol
- 2-propanol
- Methanol
When looking specifically at an eco-friendly solvent like acetone, utilizing it over products containing benzene provides multiple benefits:
- Highly effective industrial solvent
- Low toxicity
- Similar versatility in applications (degreasing, cleaning, paint thinning, paint removing, plastic production, and rubber production)
- Inexpensive
- Not an air pollutant
- VOC exempt
- Water soluble
- Non-carcinogenic
- Fewer restrictions than hazardous solvents like benzene
Looking for Greener Alternatives?
If you are searching for an eco-friendly alternative to benzene, then you are in the right place. At Ecolink, we offer various environmentally preferred options for various industrial applications. Please reach out to us to find the best product for your business needs or with any questions regarding our products!
Ecolink Team
