First things first, do not be mistaken that everything prefixed with the term ‘organic’ to be a great contribution to the preservation of the environment or our health because they simply are not. In fact, all organic solvents are hazardous regardless of whether they are for heavy industrial use or light home use. To enable better appreciation for this I’ll break down the terms and explain them.
Solvents
When solvents are referred to, it is any a group of volatile compounds or mixtures that are relatively stable chemically with the ability to dissolve another substance. Mineral spirits which dissolves paint is as much a solvent as is water, yet that is pretty much where their similarity ends because mineral spirit which is a petroleum based solvent is an organic solvent and water is an inorganic solvent.
Organic
Organic in this context is to be interpreted from the perspective of the science of organic chemistry – which is the study of chemical compounds that contain carbon. The science of “organic” chemistry originates from the original misconception that organic compounds were always related to life processes; but today we know better and we are able to understand that organic molecules can be produced by processes that do not involve life.
However to be more precise, it’s worth noting that not all carbon are classified as organic because elemental carbon and a select few classes of carbon compounds (such as oxides, carbides, and carbonates) are conventionally considered inorganic.
Organic Solvents
Therefore organic solvents could be easiest defined as carbon-based solvents (i.e.: they contain carbon in their molecular structure).
Uses of organic solvents
Used in the extraction, dissolvement, or suspension of materials such as fats, waxes, and resins that are not soluble in water, they are perfect for the industry of dry cleaning fabrics and textiles. The most common and widely used dry cleaning solvent is Tetrachloroethylene. More commonly known as perchlorethylene or PERC, it is a man-made substance that is also widely used in metal-degreasing operations.
Now although PERC is generally known to be liquid, the truth is it only holds/sustains that form at room temperature. Like all other liquids, PERC will evaporate into the air; and the rate at which it does so increases directly with the raising of temperature. When PERC evaporates into the air, it produces a distinct ether-like odour.
The implicated dangers of organic solvents in particular PERC
1. Health
Organic solvents are hazardous to health. Exposure to them, depending on the length of period of the exposure can have both acute and chronic neurotoxic effects. Poisoning can occur through both skin absorption and inhalation.
Some health hazards occur immediately upon exposure such as that headache and nausea you might have developed as you brought home that load of freshly dry-cleaned clothes. Others, such as damage to liver and kidney problems, birth defects, depression of the central nervous system; and impaired memory, occur slowly over time.
Since the 1990s PERC has been a known animal carcinogen, but recent developments/studies have given rise to sufficient scientific evidence for the both the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to label as a ‘probable carcinogen’ to humans which spells the promotion of cancer or the increase of its propagation.
2. Environmental
Throughout normal use, organic solvents escape into the environment where they contribute to the smog-producing air pollutants. And when disposed of improperly, these solvents will contribute to the pollution of groundwater and we all know where that leads.
In tomorrow’s article: Doing away with dry cleaning, the possible or impossible task?
