Solvents are liquids or gases that can dissolve or breakdown other substances. Solvents are used to dissolve grease, oil, paint, glue, pesticides and epoxy resins. They are also used to clean electronics, automotive parts, engines and tools.

Solvents can be found in common items such as paint, ink, household cleaners, spot removers, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, nail polish remover and foam-blowing agents. Industries such as dry cleaning, painting, soap manufacturing, hospitals and art restoration use solvents regularly.

Humans are exposed to solvents by absorbing them through the skin, breathing them in or swallowing them. The danger in regular human exposure to solvents is that they can cause blindness, irregular heartbeat, damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs and central nervous system. Solvents are also known to be carcinogenic and when exposed in very high amounts can cause death.
*Children exposed to large amounts of solvents may suffer from asthma and dizziness.

To learn more, go to:
http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=28