Fact Sheet Organic Solvents
A solvent is a substance into which a solute dissolves. Organic solvents are
molecules that contain carbon. Many workers are exposed to organic solvents such as
paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, glues, and degreasing/cleaning agents, and in the
production of dyes, polymers, plastics, textiles, printing inks, agricultural products, and
pharmaceuticals. (Niosh, 2010)
Many organic solvents are dangerous to humans. They may cause cancer, birth defects
or infertility. It is important that organic solvents are stored, used and disposed of
safely.
Many different classes of chemicals can be used as organic solvents, including aliphatic
(straight-chain) hydrocarbons, aromatic (rings) hydrocarbons, amines, esters, ethers,
ketones, and nitrated or chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Examples of solvents:
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Benzene
Carbon tetrachloride
Trichloroethylene
2-ethoxyethanol
2-methoxyethanol
Methyl chloride
n-hexane
tetrachloroethylene
toluene
Task: Choose a solvent and create a one page Fact Sheet about that solvent.
Your Fact Sheet should have:
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a title
the chemical name and common name, if applicable.
the chemical formula
uses for the element in the workplace
dangers associated with the solvent
some general precautions associated with the safe storage, use and disposal of the
solvent.
A short presentation will be made on Friday, May 3rd, 2013
A reference list in APA style with a minimum of two sources will be used.
Part A: Fact Sheet Evaluation Rubric
Identify chemical
0 1 2 3
Hazards/safety issue
0 1 2 3 4
Where it is used
0 1 2 3 4
Precautions
0 1 2 3
Aesthetic/Creativity
0 1 2
Spelling/Grammar
0 1 2 3
Reference List
0 1 2 3
Part B: Presentation
[
[
/22 M/C ]
/12 C]
Audible (clear, loud voice)
0 1 2 3
Eye Contact
0 1 2 3
Language (pace)
0 1 2 3
Overall Impression
0 1 2 3
Reference List
National institute for occupational safety and health. (2012, July 20). Organic Solvents.
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov