Solvent Substitutions Reported to TRI
Solvents are chemicals used to dissolve other substances. At industrial facilities, this means solvents are often used as cleaners, degreasers, reaction media, extraction aids, and ingredients in products. Exposure to solvent chemicals released into the air, water, and land has the potential to harm humans and the environment. The best way to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment is to eliminate or reduce their use in facility operations—a process known as source reduction. Learn more about the benefits of source reduction.
- Explore solvent substitution comments reported by facilities
- Examples of descriptive information about solvent substitutions reported by facilities
- Solvent substitution resources
Explore Solvent Substitution Comments Reported by Facilities
For an overview of the substitution information reported by facilities to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) between 2005 and 2020, refer to the summary handout.
To view, sort, and filter a more expansive set of reported comments about substitutions for TRI-listed solvent chemicals, use the table below. You can also download a spreadsheet with all the available solvent substitution information reported in the timespan assessed.
Examples of Descriptive Information about Solvent Substitutions Reported by Facilities
Below are examples of reported comments describing solvent substitutions. This information provides insights as to how businesses are transitioning to other chemicals and processes. In general, facilities report substituting for chemicals that are not on the TRI list.
- A motor vehicle body manufacturer in Indiana reduced toluene releases by replacing a toluene-based purge solvent used in paint processes with one that is primarily comprised of acetone and isopropyl alcohol.
- A fabricated structural metal manufacturing facility in Michigan stopped spray painting and instead switched to powder coating of some products, which eliminated xylene.
- A commercial lithographic printer in Maine eliminated methanol by converting from a methanol to acetone based ink used in catalog address labeling.
Note that EPA does not conduct comparative toxicity assessments of substitutions reported to the TRI. To learn about other limitations of TRI, refer to Factors to Consider When Using TRI Data.
Solvent Substitution Resources
Identifying suitable substitutions requires a holistic evaluation of the process in question, including material inputs, energy requirements, and necessary solvent properties. The hazard profiles of potential replacement solvents must be well characterized to avoid regrettable substitutions. Additionally, cost, government regulations, and product standards may be important factors in planning for solvent substitution. The resources below can help identify and select solvent substitutions.
- Solvent Selection Guide from the American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute
- CHEM 21 Selection Guide from the Innovative Medicine Initiative
- Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals from the Washington Department of Ecology