They're also used in painting studios for brush cleaning and as a paint thinner. Organic solvents vary widely in their properties and toxicity. They are often volatile, meaning that they evaporate quickly, giving off vapors that may be harmful if inhaled. Some volatile solvents, like ethyl ether, can have an anaesthetic effect on the nervous system. Other solvents may cause long-term liver damage, or may otherwise impact the internal organs or nervous system over a long period Of time.
Many organic solvents are also highly flammable.
Their vapors can ignite easily, even at some distance from where the solvent is being used. Organic solvents can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, so don't use them to wash your hands. Make sure there is good ventilation wherever solvents are used. If possible, work under a local ventilation source such as a properly operating hood. If you're using flammable solvents, make sure there are no ignition sources in the area, such as live electrical outlets, pilot lights, or other sparks or flames.