In this study, 108 thinners were analyzed to identify their composition. The purposes of this study were to provide the data for MSDS and worker exposure levels. Thinners were collected from manufacturing industries, distributors and users.
Wide ranges of thinner components were found ; Toluene, xylene, and ethyl benzene were most often found. Next, MIBK, cellosolve acetate, butyl cellosolve, and butyl acetate were found in 20-40 thinners. Others, such as acetone, n-hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, methylcyclohexane, octane and nonane were also found. There were about 5-6 components in each thinner.
In the view point of Industrial Hygiene, Benzene was the most important component of thinners, which procures leukemia. Benzene was found from 8 kinds of thinners out of the total 108 surveyed. Thus, Content of benzene in thinners must be evaluated when industrial hygiene surveys are performed.
Aromatic hydrocarbons were identified from 71 kinds of thinners out of total 108 and their contents were 10-87%. Alkanes were not contained in automobile painting, spraying, degreasing, urethane and epoxy thinners but lacquer, enamel and coating thinners.
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