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150 Physical Health Hazards in Construction
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Solvents

A variety of solvents with varying degrees of toxicity are used in construction. They are in paints, glues, epoxies and other products. Health hazards associated with solvent exposure include:

You can be exposed to many different health hazards while using solvents.
  • toxicity to the nervous system,
  • reproductive damage,
  • liver and kidney damage,
  • respiratory impairment, cancer, and
  • dermatitis.

Generally, the possibility of exposure to excessive amounts of solvent vapors is greater when solvents are handled in enclosed or confined spaces.

Symptoms of overexposure to solvents include:

  • irritate your eyes, nose or throat;
  • make you dizzy, sleepy, give you a headache or cause you to pass out;
  • affect your judgment or coordination;
  • cause internal damage to your body; and
  • dry out or irritate your skin.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-7. Which of the following would be a symptom of overexposure to solvents?