Organic solvents are often used as cleaners or degreasers, and as ingredients in paints, inks, glues and varnishes.
Solvents can enter the body by breathing in solvent vapour, through skin contact or through the mouth (from contact with food, fingers or other items such as cigarettes).
Common solvents such as toluene may have an immediate effect on people, but some have long-term effects. Effects usually disappear when contact with solvents ceases, but long term or high exposure to toxic solvents could cause adverse effects.
Toxic solvents such as carbon tetrachloride affect the nervous system. They interfere with memory, and cause headaches, dizziness, weakness or tiredness, irritability, mood changes or nausea. Exposure to high levels of solvents such as tetrabromoethane (TBE) can cause liver damage, unconsciousness and death.
Other non-specific health effects include irritation of nose, throat, lungs, eyes and skin. Some solvents such as benzene cause cancer.