Solvents are substances, often chemicals that are used to dissolve other substances. Typically they do not have a specific color and can be odorless but often do have a characteristic smell. Solvents can be dangerous substances. They are highly flammable.  Explosions can occur when the vapors from the substance meet an ignition source such as the air. They also can be harmful to the organs and functions of the human body.  When the vapors are inhaled, they can cause a very quick loss of consciousness. They can cause blindness. If breathed in over an extended period of time, cancer, brain damage and damage to other organs such as the kidneys can occur.  Enforcing law on solvents is important to keep users of the chemicals as well as the general public safe.

There are many regulations involving the use and disposal of what are called volatile organic compounds (VOC).  That term is defined by the Environmental Protection Association in very broad terms. The definition used is basically, “any volatile compound.”  There are some tests for qualification in some cases.  Individual states may also have their own way of defining the term and designating exemptions.  The majority of states do use the same definition as the EPA as many lawyers in Sacramento can attest. However if regulations and the idea of enforcing law on solvents is an important matter in your business, you should determine the exact definition used by your state.

Regulation and enforcing law on solvents is an evolutionary process. Changes happen as new chemical combination and uses are developed.  One recent development involves relative reactivity. This is used as a ranking system to determine the chemical’s likelihood of creating ground level ozone. This likelihood is based on photochemical reactivity. Not all chemicals have the same level of photochemical reactivity. This system makes the process of determining danger more specific to the individual chemicals rather than as a blanket regulation. 

Chemicals are usually developed to make our lives easier. Solvents can be very helpful substances. They help to clean and create a variety of things we use every day. Many industries depend on them as part of their business ventures as well as just the general day to day tasks of our lives.  Chemicals created to help can also be quite dangerous, however. Carelessness can cause an unsafe situation for users and innocent bystanders.  Regulations are in place to help keep people safe. Enforcing law on solvents can be difficult and costly. However they are important for all of us.