Over the past few years, there has been growing awareness about the risks associated with solvents—chemicals used to dissolve other substances and create solutions. As a result, companies like DaSilva’s have made significant efforts to reduce or completely eliminate the use of VOC-based paints in their operations.
Solvents are commonly found in many everyday products, such as cleaning agents, adhesives, paint thinners, detergents, and furniture polish. These chemicals, often listed on labels as toluene, xylene, acetone, or Ethyl Acetate, are added to help mix ingredients and then evaporate after application. While they may seem harmless at first, prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to serious health concerns.
For occasional projects, solvent exposure might be minimal, but for professionals like auto body painters, the risk is much higher. Spray painting involves direct inhalation of these chemicals, which can lead to both immediate and long-term health effects.
The Hidden Dangers of Solvents
Known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents don’t just disappear—they release harmful toxins into the air. When inhaled, they can damage soft tissues in the brain and nervous system, causing symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. Over time, this damage can accumulate, leading to more severe conditions like chronic toxic encephalopathy, which affects memory, coordination, and cognitive function.
Workers exposed to solvents daily face an increased risk of reproductive issues, liver and kidney damage, respiratory problems, and even certain types of cancer. New research from the Harvard School of Public Health has shown that repeated exposure to solvents can cause lasting cognitive decline, sometimes appearing decades after initial contact. This includes difficulties with attention, memory, and processing speed.
Common Sources of Exposure
Many household items contain solvents, including glues, epoxy, and asphalt. While most exposure occurs through breathing, skin contact or ingestion without proper protection can also be dangerous. The short-term effects include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and skin irritation. Repeated exposure, however, can lead to more severe consequences, such as vision loss, heart irregularities, and even cancer in some cases.
A recent study by the Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX) and the University of Colorado, Boulder, found that even low-level, repeated exposure to solvents can disrupt the endocrine system, affecting hormone balance and potentially leading to issues like lower fertility, premature birth, and abnormal sperm production.
Environmental Impact of Solvents
When VOCs mix with nitrogen oxides in sunlight, they form ground-level ozone, a major contributor to smog. This not only harms the environment but can also affect human health and crop yields. Historically, companies disposed of solvents by pouring them into the ground, assuming they would simply evaporate. Instead, they seeped into soil and groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and posing a risk to communities.
Even today, solvents can leach into building foundations and underground utilities, leading to long-term structural damage. They can also enter indoor spaces through a process called vapor intrusion, making homes and offices unsafe over time.
To protect both people and the environment, DaSilva’s Auto Body has committed to using low-VOC, eco-friendly paints and ensuring safe disposal of all chemicals. By choosing green alternatives, we’re helping to reduce health risks and environmental harm. If you're looking for a safer, more sustainable option for your auto repair needs, give us a call today at our Naugatuck location. We're here to help you make the right choices for your safety and the planet's future.
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