Toxicity:
Chlorinated materials can form orgono-chloride compounds, which in turn are stored in
the fat cells and can enter mother's milk. Morpholine is very toxic and a liver and kidney
poison. Glycol ether, Stoddard solvent, naphtha and kerosene are neurotoxins and
central nervous system depressants which can cause confusion, headaches, lack of
concentration, and symptoms of mental illness. Glycol ether is also a kidney
and liver poison. Sodium bromide can cause confusion.
Environmental Impact:
Stoddard solvent, petroleum distillates (naphtha), and very toxic materials such as
morpholine are considered hazardous waste and cause pollution. Phosphates cause
algae bloom, and chlorinated materials can form other compounds (like DDT), which
break down slowly in the ecosystem as pollutants and are stored in the fatty tissues of
wildlife. EDTA binds with heavy metals in our lakes and streams and
thereby activates the metals. Petroleum-based products are non-renewable resources,
are slow to break down in the environment, and can contain impurities, which
contaminate air and water.
