According to recent survey data from LC-GC Magazine, nearly 90% of respondents were concerned with the effects of solvent in the areas of health, safety, and the environment. Given the audience of this chromatography focused publication, it should not be a surprise that environmental, organic chemicals, and medical/biological were the top three fields of work among survey respondents.
Health Concerns:
Unfortunately, the acute effects of solvent exposure have been experienced by far too many chemists. Dizziness, headaches, skin and eye irritation can all occur suddenly.
Longer term impacts of prolonged exposure may have also impacted chemists voicing their concerns with respiratory and organ issues potentially being at the top of the list.
It is worth noting that all of these are tied to more general exposure and not the negative impacts of an accident such as a burn from solvent spillage.
Aside from proper PPE, fume hood ventilation is a critical component to keeping chemists safe. Specific to Organomation, our large-scale solvent evaporators process samples held in 250 mL flasks. These are closed systems which are able to condense and collect up to 97% of the solvent. In combination with being operated inside of a fume hood, the S-EVAP flask evaporator provides the highest level or protection from solvent vapors.
Safety Concerns:
Depending on how the words "health and safety" were interpreted, survey respondents certainly have interpreted them as one in the same. Sample preparation occasionally requires solvents which are highly acidic, corrosive solvents or extremely volatile, flammable solvents. These chemicals need to be both handled and utilized with the strictest level of care. Technicians utilizing solvents such as hexane should utilize a positively pressurized water bath to prevent flammable vapors from entering the unit's control section, which could pose a risk of explosion.
Learn how Organomation's sample concentrators are able to safely evaporate flammable solvents.
Environmental Concerns:
The environment outside of the lab can also be negatively impacted by solvent emissions. The release of volatile organic compounds can cause pollution impacting our air, water and soil. The impact of these chemicals can contribute to phenomena like acid rain or losing biodiversity.
As referenced, Organomation's large scale evaporators recollect up to 97% of starting solvent to protect the lab personnel and the keep the environment safe. For more information, please review Trends in Sample Preparation, Part I: Current State of the Field from October's edition of LC-GC Magazine.
At Organomation, we are always looking out for the safety of our end-users and the environment. To discuss any specific concerns you may have, please contact our team at sales@organomation.com.