Methodology to Evaluate Green Solvents

In this section we will present considerations that can be used to evaluate the environmental compatibility of solvents. The considerations are based on the Aberdeen/Green Seal Standard for Certification of Cleaning/Degreasing Agents for Steel and Alnmi-num, which was promulgated in the spring of 1999. While the standard is applicable to the cleaning industry, it rivets our attention to appropriate areas in which to evalnate solvents and solvent use. 

These recommended considerations should be used to weigh environmental requirements for solvents used in any chemical activity. 

The solvent should function as required in the chemical process in which it is used. Some solvent-use applications may need to be systematically evaluated in order to determine if a particular solvent meets their specific requirements. 

1 Toxic Compounds The product should not be toxic to humans. A product is considered to be toxic if any of the following criteria apply  

3 Corrosivity and Causticity The pH, if applicable, of the solvation media should be less than 11.0 but greater than 2.5. 

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