Is degreaser harmful to the human body? How to use it safely?

Degreasers are chemicals used to remove grease, dirt, and other contaminants. They are widely used in industrial, household, and laboratory applications. Due to their complex chemical composition, degreasers may have certain effects on human health, especially if they are used incorrectly or exposed for a long time. The following will discuss in detail the potential harm of degreasers to the human body and how to use them safely.

Composition of degreasers and their potential hazards

The ingredients of degreasers vary depending on their use, but they usually include solvents, surfactants, alkaline or acidic substances, etc. These ingredients may cause the following harm to the human body:

1. Skin irritation and damage

The solvents and alkaline substances in degreasers may damage the skin's natural oil barrier, causing dryness, redness, itching and even chemical burns. Long-term contact may cause dermatitis or skin allergies.

2. Respiratory tract irritation

The gases released by volatile solvents in the air may irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, chest tightness, etc. In high concentration environments, it may even cause breathing difficulties or lung damage.

3. Eye damage

If degreaser accidentally splashes into the eyes, it may cause severe chemical burns, resulting in pain, blurred vision, or even permanent vision loss.

4. Digestive system problems

Accidental ingestion of degreasing agents may cause chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus and stomach, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc., which may be life-threatening in severe cases.

5. Nervous system effects

Certain solvents (such as benzene, toluene, etc.) are neurotoxic. Long-term exposure may cause headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and even irreversible damage to the central nervous system.

6. Cancer Risk

Some degreasers contain carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer.

How to use degreaser safely

To reduce the harm of degreasing agents to the human body, the following are some suggestions for safe use:

1. Read product labels

Before using a degreaser, be sure to read the product label and instructions carefully to understand its ingredients, uses, precautions and emergency treatment methods.

2. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)

- Gloves: Choose chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile gloves) to avoid direct skin contact with the degreaser.

- Goggles: to protect your eyes from degreaser splashes.

- Mask or Respirator: When using degreasers in poorly ventilated environments, wear appropriate respiratory protection to avoid inhalation of harmful gases.

- Protective clothing: If handling large quantities of degreaser or working in high concentration environments, it is recommended to wear protective clothing.

3. Ensure adequate ventilation

When using degreasers, try to operate in a well-ventilated environment and avoid using them in confined spaces. If conditions permit, use exhaust fans or ventilation equipment.

4. Avoid direct contact

Try to avoid direct contact of the degreaser with your skin. If it comes into contact with your skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water and apply a moisturizer to reduce irritation.

5. Proper storage

Store the degreaser in a cool, dry, ventilated place, away from fire and children. Make sure the container is well sealed to prevent leakage or volatilization.

6. Dispose of waste properly

The used degreaser should be properly disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations to avoid dumping or discharging it at will to avoid polluting the environment.

7. Emergency measures

- Skin contact: Immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing. In case of severe irritation or burns, seek medical attention immediately.

- Eye contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

- In case of accidental ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, drink plenty of water to dilute immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

- Inhalation: Move quickly to fresh air and keep airways open. If breathing difficulties occur, seek medical attention immediately.

8. Limit the frequency and duration of use

Minimize the frequency and duration of degreaser use and avoid prolonged exposure. If frequent use is required for work, regular health checks are recommended.

9. Choose safer alternatives

Where possible, choose more environmentally friendly, less toxic degreasers or alternatives, such as water-based degreasers or biodegradable products.

Conclusion

Degreasers play an important role in industry and daily life, but their chemical composition may cause certain harm to human health. By understanding their potential risks and taking appropriate safety measures, negative health effects can be effectively reduced. Proper use of degreasers not only protects personal health, but also helps protect the environment. During use, be sure to follow safe operating procedures to ensure the safety of yourself and others.