Petroleum-Based Solvents: Types, Risks, and Alternatives
Written by: Vertec BioSolvents
Petroleum-based solvents are widely used across manufacturing, industrial cleaning, coatings, adhesives, and chemical processing. Known for their strength, speed, and broad material compatibility, these solvents have long been a go-to solution for companies that need consistent performance in demanding environments.
However, that reliability comes at a cost. Many petroleum-derived solvents present significant safety concerns, pose health risks to workers, and contribute to long-term environmental harm. As a result, manufacturers and chemical formulators are starting to take a closer look at the ingredients in their processes. Many are now actively seeking safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Bio-based solvents deliver comparable performance without the health hazards or environmental impact. For companies looking to reduce petroleum dependency without compromising efficiency, they offer a practical and forward-thinking solution.
What Are Petroleum-Based Solvents?
Petroleum-based solvents are organic compounds refined from crude oil. They are primarily made up of hydrocarbons, which are molecules composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These solvents are categorized into groups such as aliphatic, aromatic, and oxygenated, based on their chemical structure and functional properties. Each category brings distinct characteristics in terms of solvency power, evaporation rate, and compatibility with various materials.
In manufacturing and industrial processes, petroleum solvents serve as dissolving agents, carriers, and cleaning components. They are used to thin paints and coatings, dissolve adhesives, clean equipment, extract oils, and remove contaminants. Their effectiveness in breaking down grease, oil, and resins has made them a common choice across multiple sectors, including automotive, aerospace, printing, and chemical production.
Since they originate from non-renewable fossil resources, many petroleum solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). These substances can evaporate quickly, creating health and safety concerns, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments. Exposure limits, flammability ratings, and environmental compliance regulations are increasingly influencing how and where these solvents can be used.
Companies are increasingly seeking next-generation solvents that minimize worker exposure, lower VOC content, and support long-term environmental goals without compromising reliability.
Types of Petroleum-Based Solvents
Toluene
An aromatic solvent used in adhesives, coatings, and chemical synthesis. Known for fast evaporation and strong solvency, but also linked to neurological effects from prolonged exposure.
Xylene
Often used in paints, inks, and cleaning agents. It offers moderate evaporation and strong solvency, particularly for resins and polymers.
Mineral Spirits
A common aliphatic solvent in degreasers, thinners, and cleaning products. Less volatile than aromatic solvents, but still flammable and toxic.
Benzene
Historically used in industrial formulations but largely phased out due to its high toxicity and strong link to cancer. Still found in trace amounts in some formulations.
Hexane
Frequently used in extraction processes and industrial degreasing. High volatility and low flash point make it a significant safety concern.
Heptane
Preferred for rubber cement, adhesives, and lab use. It evaporates quickly and is less toxic than hexane, though still highly flammable.
Turpentine
Derived from pine resin, technically not petroleum-based but often grouped with them. Used in paints and varnishes, with strong odor and flammability.
Ethyl Acetate
A fast-evaporating solvent used in coatings, nail polish removers, and printing inks. Flammable and irritating to skin and lungs.
VM&P Naphtha
Used in varnishes, cleaning, and degreasing. Highly volatile and produces strong fumes. Regulated due to VOC content.
Acetone
A versatile solvent in cleaning, coatings, and plastics. Very fast evaporation rate, highly flammable, and harsh on skin.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
Used in coatings, adhesives, and inks. Strong solvency power and fast evaporation. Can cause eye and respiratory irritation.
Cyclohexane
Common in adhesives and chemical manufacturing. Flammable and potentially harmful through inhalation.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
Widely used in disinfectants, cleaners, and electronics. Lower toxicity than many others, but still flammable and drying to skin.
Butyl Acetate
Found in lacquers and coatings. Moderate evaporation with a fruity odor. Flammable and irritating with high concentrations.
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
Used in PVC production and specialty coatings. Very effective but prone to forming explosive peroxides during storage.
Risks and Safety Considerations of Petroleum-Based Solvents
Handling petroleum-based solvents requires more than just protective gear. These substances often carry serious hazards that impact worker safety, facility protocols, and long-term regulatory compliance. The physical and chemical characteristics that make these solvents effective, such as volatility and solvency strength, are also what make them potentially dangerous in uncontrolled environments.
Safety Concerns (i.e. Flammability)
Many petroleum-derived solvents have low flash points and high vapor pressures, making them highly flammable or even explosive under the right conditions. Vapors can travel and ignite from distant ignition sources, creating fire risks in storage areas, spray booths, and cleaning operations. Solvents like acetone, MEK, heptane, and VM&P naphtha are particularly volatile, requiring specialized ventilation and flame-proof equipment. Without proper handling, even routine use can escalate into hazardous situations.
Health Risks
Prolonged or repeated exposure to petroleum-based solvents can lead to a range of health problems. Short-term effects often include headaches, dizziness, and skin or eye irritation. Longer-term exposure (especially in poorly ventilated environments) can impact the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Aromatic solvents such as toluene, xylene, and benzene present some of the most serious risks, including neurological damage and, in the case of benzene, a proven link to cancer. Even solvents perceived as milder, like IPA or butyl acetate, can cause cumulative harm over time without proper protective measures.
Environmental Impact of Petroleum-Based Solvents
Petroleum-based solvents contribute significantly to air, water, and soil pollution. Many contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate easily and react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone and smog. This not only affects air quality but also triggers compliance issues in regions with strict emissions regulations.
Improper disposal or accidental spills can lead to contamination of water sources and soil, harming ecosystems and complicating site remediation efforts. These solvents do not readily break down in the environment, which means their impact can persist for years. Some also contain hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that pose risks to both environmental and human health.
As sustainability standards tighten and public pressure grows, industries are under increasing scrutiny for how their chemical use affects the surrounding environment. And petroleum solvents are often at the center of that conversation.
Sustainable Alternatives and Renewable Solutions
Transitioning from petroleum-based solvents to bio-based alternatives is a strategic move toward sustainability and safety. Vertec BioSolvents offers products like VertecBio™ ELSOL® and VertecBio™ Ethyl Acetate, designed to seamlessly replace traditional solvents without compromising performance.
VertecBio™ ELSOL® products serve as direct replacements for various petroleum-based solvents, providing comparable solvency and evaporation rates while reducing environmental impact. These bio-based solutions are derived from renewable resources, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint and enhanced safety profiles.
VertecBio™ Ethyl Acetate is a 100% bio-derived solvent that effectively substitutes petroleum-based ethyl acetate in all applications. It offers the same high performance expected from traditional solvents but with the added benefits of sustainability and reduced toxicity.
Both products are biodegradable and contribute to lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, aligning with stringent environmental regulations. By integrating Vertec BioSolvents into your operations, you not only enhance safety and compliance but also demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Embracing bio-based solvents is a forward-thinking approach that meets the demands of modern industry standards. Vertec BioSolvents provides the expertise and innovative solutions necessary for a smooth and effective transition.
Ready to explore a safer, high-performance alternative?
Contact Vertec BioSolvents to learn more about making the switch.
