Xylene Replacements and Alternatives
Xylene is a petroleum-based synthetic chemical that is colorless, flammable, and produces a sweet odor. It is primarily used as a solvent to remove paint, oil, grease, marker, and ink. However, prolonged exposure to xylene can be hazardous to the user's health, and it is recommended to seek alternatives to avoid unsafe conditions.
A Safe and Highly Efficient Alternative to Xylene
Providing a highly effective and environmentally friendly way to get the results you need, Polychem® 36 is a safe and reliable xylene replacement solvent. This product was designed with the operator in mind to create a safer work environment. Polychem® 36 is a xylene substitute that typically does not create any hazardous waste, can be used numerous times and is recyclable. Polychem’s xylene replacement solvent lasts 5-7 times longer than comparable products. Some of the direct applications for xylene replacements include:
- Surface preparation and cleaning
- Post clean-up
- Overspray clean-up
- Line flush
- Line maintenance
Potential Risks from Xylene Use
There are numerous adverse health risks associated with the use of xylene materials and cleaning solvents. Symptoms of xylene poisoning include CNS effects (dizziness, headache, drowsiness, ataxia, excitement, coma). Vomiting, nausea, and respiratory depression can also occur after prolonged inhalation. Exposure to products that contain xylene can increase the chances of developing the following types of health-related problems:
- Systematic toxicity via ingestion or inhalation
- Irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
- Flushing and redness of the face
- Kidney and liver damage
- Menstrual disorders and increased occurrence of miscarriages and congenital disabilities
- Reduced blood platelet count and increased chance of leukemia
Luckily, there are less dangerous alternatives. Xylene substitutes can provide a safer atmosphere for those using these chemicals regularly. Additionally, there are green alternatives that are biodegradable, slow to evaporate, recyclable, and contain no environmentally hazardous ingredients.
An Eco-Friendly, Safe, Non-Hazardous Xylene Substitute
Xylene alternative solvents like Polychem® 36 increase workplace safety and prevent environmental contamination. Polychem products do not require explosion-proof storage equipment or special handling during shipping. Our xylene replacement solvents are:
- Non-flammable and non-hazardous
- Usable in ambient temperatures up to 165°F (74°C)
- Provide a slow evaporation rate
- Completely recyclable
- Semi-aqueous
- Advanced biodegradable formulation
- Dilutable
- Made in the US
Direct Applications for Xylene Substitute Products
There is a broad range of applicable uses for our xylene replacement solvents. Polychem® 36 can be used the same way, offering the same benefits as xylene without the harmful side effects. Some of the industries that regularly utilize xylene alternative solvents include:
- Automotive
- Aviation
- plastics and rubber
- Marine
- Military
- Printing
- Wind Turbine
- Woodworking
