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Green Cleaning Solvents: Meeting the Environmental Demands of Consumers

People are becoming more environmentally conscious these days.
This change in values has caused businesses to make many changes to reduce their effects on the environment.
Going green is now not only an option for companies but a requirement in order to keep customers happy.
Government regulations are another reason for this change.
Many laws have been passed to ensure cleaner air, water, and soil.
Cleaning of parts, equipment, and other items is a growing area of concern.
A solvent is any liquid or gas substance which includes one or many dissolved solutes to create a solution.
Solutes may be of gas, solid, or liquid form.
Vaporization along with chemical runoff can be dangerous to both the environment and people.
A green cleaning solvent can be used in place of more traditional substances to reduce the amount of chemical waste left behind by these materials.
Here are a few examples to put it into perspective.
Salt added to water is a solute which dissolves to form a salt water solution.
The water acts as the solvent because it takes in the salt compound.
In chemicals, the opposite effect is reason for concern.
Gas is a good example to help understand the counter effects.
A gas can sits in a closed space with the lid off.
As the air warms within this structure, portions of the liquid begin to vaporize into the air to be inhaled or taken in by all life in the immediate area.
This same process occurs with various types of cleaners.
Today, companies are making green cleaners available to reduce the amount of chemical substances released into the environment.
Organic Solvents: Using Less Hazardous Products Organic solvents can be carbon or water based.
Individuals are exposed to solvents in items such as paint, adhesives, glues, or cleaning agents.
They can also be found in dyes, plastics, inks, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
Organic products are widely used in businesses and homes.
Organic chemical properties change based upon the atoms present within the solvent.
Specific characteristics determine how hazardous these chemicals can be.
Some substances can be highly volatile.
This means they tend to evaporate easily under the right temperature conditions making them breathable by air.
Volatility increases as area temperature rises.
Water solubility can be defined as how easily the substance absorbs into the skin.
A solvent's chemical structure may increase or decrease its toxicity level.
Some organic solvents can be flammable as well as have the capability of exploding.
Exposure to potent substances over a long period of time has been found to be very harmful.
Workers who use these products regularly are at risk for skin conditions, respiratory problems, organ complications, and cancer.
Increased health risks as well as environment exposure have put these products in the public eye and in the government radar.
Many organizations are now monitoring their use or switching to green cleaning solvent providers.
Products are being designed for increased safety, minimal evaporation, and to contain less dangerous solutes.
By switching to these cleaning agents, businesses are able to protect their workers as well as build a reputation for environmental consciousness which is often highly regarded among consumers.

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