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WV Pollution Prevention (P2) Program

Avoid Glycol Ethers Based Products

Glycol ethers, commonly used as solvents in cleaning agents and paints, pose a significant environmental concern. While some glycol ethers are toxic and can cause short-term effects like fatigue, tremors, and nausea, prolonged exposure can lead to severe health issues such as pulmonary edema, kidney problems, and liver disorders.

In the automobile repair and maintenance industries, glycol ether-based products pose workplace risks and contribute to pollution. To address these issues, it is crucial to either reduce or eliminate their use in these industries. Replacing glycol ether-based cleaning products with non-toxic alternatives can significantly enhance workplace safety and minimize pollution.

Another approach involves implementing process changes that reduce the likelihood of cleaning surfaces. This can be achieved by modifying processes to minimize the formation of contaminants or adopting methods that eliminate contaminants without using solvents.

Investing in closed-loop systems is another valuable option. These systems recycle and reuse cleaning solvents, thereby limiting the discharge of glycol ethers into the environment.

By adopting these strategies, the automobile repair and maintenance industries can minimize the negative impact of glycol ether-based products on the environment and create healthier workplaces. Opting for substitutes and optimizing processes through closed-loop systems can effectively reduce pollution.

Sources:

  1. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/glycol-ethers.pdf
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/83-112/default.html
  3. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-10/documents/p2_spotlight_glycol_ethers.pdf