What are the solvents that are gradually regulated? Introducing 7 common chemicals

Are You Looking for Alternatives to NMP or PFOS/PFOA?

 

Seven Common Industrial Chemicals Gradually Regulated Worldwide

 

(Source: Pexels)

 

As awareness of environmental protection and health risks grows, many chemicals once widely used are now increasingly regulated. These substances can pose potential health hazards and environmental contamination, prompting governments and environmental agencies to enforce stricter controls. Regulations are typically based on assessments of toxicity, volatility, harmfulness, and bioaccumulation. Below is an overview of several key chemicals:

 

 

Methylene Chloride (DCM)

 

Methylene chloride has broad-spectrum solubility, allowing it to quickly dissolve various organic substances, including oils, waxes, asphalt, resins, paints, inks, and certain polymers. It is also effective at removing stubborn industrial residues and heavy oils, making it widely used in industrial cleaning applications that require strong solvent power. Its high volatility allows rapid evaporation after cleaning, leaving no liquid residue—ideal for electronic devices and precision components, as it shortens drying time and improves cleaning efficiency.

 

While its high volatility is advantageous in industrial use, it poses health risks. DCM is a volatile organic compound (VOC); long-term inhalation can affect the respiratory system, central nervous system, and increase cancer risk. Consequently, many countries restrict or ban DCM in consumer products. The EU REACH regulation has prohibited the sale and use of DCM-containing paint strippers since 2011, allowing operation only by trained personnel in specific industrial applications. The U.S. EPA banned the sale of DCM-based paint removers in 2019 and announced a full ban on manufacturing, processing, and sale from 2025. OSHA enforces strict occupational exposure limits (PEL) to reduce long-term health risks in industrial settings.

 

Due to these restrictions, companies are seeking safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives. Bio-based and aqueous solvents are increasingly viable in industrial processes. Future DCM use may decline as alternatives become adopted, requiring businesses to balance regulatory compliance, health protection, and production efficiency.

 

 

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)

 

Tetrachloroethylene is a non-polar, symmetrical molecule that dissolves oils, resins, and stains such as paint and ink on fabrics. Its high cleaning efficiency makes it widely used in dry cleaning. With a high flash point, it is relatively safe under normal operating conditions and is often used in environments where fire safety is a concern. PCE can be recycled in dry cleaning through filtration and distillation, reducing solvent consumption costs.

 

Despite its effectiveness, long-term exposure to PCE poses health risks, including neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity, and it can contaminate soil and groundwater. Many countries regulate PCE use in dry cleaning, particularly in the EU: REACH classifies PCE as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC), limiting its use in consumer products and sometimes banning its use as a solvent. The EU encourages commercial cleaning industries to gradually reduce PCE use and adopt safer alternatives. To meet environmental and health standards, PCE usage will face stricter regulations in the future. The dry cleaning industry has begun using liquid CO₂, petroleum-based, or silicone solvents, while industrial applications increasingly adopt aqueous or biodegradable solvents. These alternatives typically have lower volatility and toxicity, are environmentally friendly, and still satisfy industrial cleaning requirements.

 

 

N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)

 

NMP is a polar, hydrophilic solvent containing an amide group and five-membered ring, capable of dissolving both polar and non-polar organic and inorganic substances, as well as high-molecular-weight compounds such as polymers and resins. It is widely used in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries, and has strong penetration abilities that enhance coverage and adhesion in coatings, inks, and pesticides.

 

However, NMP may irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts, and it has potential reproductive toxicity. It is listed as an SVHC under EU REACH, with restricted use in certain consumer products. In the U.S., NMP is considered a high-priority chemical, and the EPA has initiated regulatory measures to reduce human and environmental risks.

 

NMP use is expected to face increasing restrictions, particularly in electronics manufacturing and other high-exposure industries. Environmental regulations, health awareness, and advances in alternative technologies will significantly affect its practical application. While NMP remains critical in certain high-tech processes, its usage will increasingly depend on regulatory compliance, feasibility of alternatives, and market demand.

 

NMP in consumer products and low-risk applications may gradually be replaced by safer, greener solvents. Common alternatives include alcohol-based solvents (ethanol, isopropanol), which are widely used in cleaning and processing, though they may not fully replace NMP under certain high-performance or specialized conditions. Other low-toxicity organic solvents, such as halogenated olefins, show strong potential by balancing cleaning efficiency and environmental compliance.

 

 

Potential Alternatives to NMP

 

Alternative Solvent	Solubility	Toxicity & Health Risk	Environmental Friendliness	Other Features
Isopropanol (IPA)	Good	Low toxicity, mild skin irritation	Low	High volatility, fast drying, no residue, widely used
Ethanol	Good	Low toxicity, generally harmless	High	Biodegradable, safer, widely used in food and beverages
Butanol	Good	Low toxicity, occasionally toxic in some cases	Medium	Lower volatility, suitable for applications requiring slower evaporation
Diethyl Ether	Good	Flammable, highly volatile	Medium	Highly volatile, handle with care, commonly used in labs and chemical synthesis
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)	Good	Moderate toxicity, potential carcinogen	Medium	Strong solvency, volatile and toxic, use with caution
Limonene	Good	Low toxicity, naturally derived	High	Renewable, eco-friendly, harmless to humans, strong citrus scent
N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP)	Good	Low toxicity	High	Biodegradable, environmentally friendly, can replace certain solvents
γ-Butyrolactone (GBL)	Good	Low toxicity, similar to NMP	High	Biodegradable, strong solvency, often used with THF
Acetone	Good	Low toxicity, highly volatile	Medium	Low cost, commonly used for cleaning, degreasing, and certain chemical reactions
Ethyl Acetate	Good	Low toxicity	Medium	Low toxicity, suitable for environmentally sensitive applications

 

 

Toluene

 

Toluene is a commonly used organic solvent with a symmetrical, non-polar molecular structure. Its aromatic ring allows it to effectively dissolve a wide range of organic substances, including oils, resins, plastics, dyes, and certain pharmaceuticals. Toluene is widely used across manufacturing, chemical, electronics, coatings, and cleaning industries, making it an important basic chemical. Additionally, toluene is relatively low-cost to produce, has stable market demand, and is available in large-scale production, offering both stability and cost-effectiveness for many industrial processes.

Despite its versatility, toluene is a hazardous substance with potential health and environmental impacts. Long-term exposure can affect the nervous system, irritate the respiratory tract, and cause other health issues. Environmental release may contaminate soil and water. In the U.S., toluene use is strictly regulated by OSHA, EPA, and NIOSH, with clear occupational exposure limits and requirements for transport, storage, and handling. The EU classifies toluene as an SVHC, requiring environmental and health risk assessments prior to production, use, or import to mitigate potential hazards.

Currently, there are several feasible alternatives to toluene, including: Low-volatility organic solvents, aqueous solvents, alcohol-based solvents (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol), and some bio-based solvents. In industrial applications, these alternatives can be widely used in coatings, cleaning, electronics manufacturing, and chemical processes. They help reduce health risks and minimize environmental impact. With increasing demand for safer and greener products, these substitutes are expected to see broader adoption in the future.

 

 

n-Hexane

 

n-Hexane is a type of saturated hydrocarbon and a commonly used aliphatic solvent. Being a nonpolar molecule, it can effectively dissolve oily substances such as fats, waxes, resins, rubber, and coatings. Owing to its high chemical stability and low reactivity with solutes, it is widely applied in industries such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food processing. Typical uses include serving as a raw material for mold release agents or as a cleaner for removing grease from molds during plastic processing. In addition, n-hexane is highly volatile, making it a useful solvent in coatings, paints, and adhesives, where it promotes drying and curing.

 

However, as a type of volatile organic compound (VOC), n-hexane easily evaporates during use, contributing to air pollution. It also poses potential fire and explosion hazards under high temperatures and can be harmful to human health. Therefore, it must be handled with caution. Due to these risks, many countries and international organizations have established strict regulations on its use and emissions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets explicit exposure limits for n-hexane in workplaces, requiring employers to regularly monitor air quality to ensure concentrations remain below legal thresholds, as well as to provide proper ventilation systems and personal protective equipment. In the European Union, n-hexane is regulated under the REACH framework as a substance subject to risk assessment, with strict control over its industrial applications and exposure limits. Industries using high levels of n-hexane must submit comprehensive risk management plans to ensure that its use does not pose adverse effects on human health or the environment.

 

In response to increasing market demand for low-VOC, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly alternatives, the industry is actively developing safer and more sustainable solvent solutions. In addition to new bio-based and waterborne solvents, certain modified low-toxicity organic solvents have also gained attention, showing potential to gradually replace traditional organic solvents. As these alternative technologies continue to mature and expand in application, the use of n-hexane in most industrial sectors is expected to decline, with its role becoming limited to specific specialized or niche uses.

 

 

Formaldehyde

 

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, typically produced from natural gas, coal gas, or wood. It is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, making it an important raw material in the chemical, construction, and consumer goods industries. In resin production, formaldehyde is a key component in urea-formaldehyde (UF), phenol-formaldehyde (PF), and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resins. These resins are widely used in particleboard, fiberboard, furniture, flooring, and automotive interiors, providing excellent structural strength and adhesive properties.

 

However, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure to high concentrations can damage the liver, respiratory system, and immune system. To mitigate these risks, most countries have established strict regulations on its use and emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists formaldehyde as a priority controlled chemical, while the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets limits on formaldehyde emissions from furniture and building materials. In the European Union, under the REACH regulation, formaldehyde use in consumer products is restricted—its concentration in cosmetics must not exceed 0.05%, and wood-based materials and furniture must comply with the E1 standard (≤0.1 ppm).

 

Today, the market is steadily shifting toward low-formaldehyde and formaldehyde-free products. The industry is actively developing environmentally friendly alternatives, including bio-based adhesives, waterborne polymers, lignin-modified adhesives, and formaldehyde-free synthetic resins. Next-generation formaldehyde derivatives are also being designed with enhanced safety and sustainability in mind, and are expected to see broader adoption in furniture, building materials, and consumer products.

 

 

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

 

PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) are common perfluorinated compounds (PFAS). Due to the extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds, they exhibit high chemical stability as well as resistance to heat, oil, and water. These properties have made them widely used in fabric water-repellent treatments, food and paper packaging, insulation layers for electronic components, and chemical reaction aids. However, this same stability makes PFAS extremely persistent in the environment and capable of bioaccumulation. Studies indicate that long-term exposure may affect liver metabolism and immune function, disrupt thyroid and reproductive systems, and is associated with developmental delays and increased risks of certain cancers.

 

Due to their persistence and potential hazards, the European Union has classified PFOS and PFOA as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) and strictly regulates them under the REACH framework. The use of PFOS in firefighting foams, textiles, and carpets has been banned, and since July 2020, PFOA and its derivatives have been fully prohibited in areas including cosmetics, food packaging, and fabric treatment. In the United States, the EPA strengthened regulations starting in 2016, requiring manufacturers to phase out these chemicals and setting a standard limit for PFOA/PFOS in drinking water at 70 ppt, while continuing to push for stricter restrictions.

 

As regulations tighten, market demand is driving the development of PFAS alternatives. Short-chain PFAS (such as C4 and C6 series) are currently used as transitional options due to their lower persistence and hazard. In addition, bio-based chemicals and biodegradable materials are gaining attention, offering oil- and water-repellent properties while being environmentally friendly. Physical or mechanical treatment technologies, such as nanostructures and superhydrophobic materials, are also seen as potential alternatives for the future.

 

 

The following provides a comparative overview of seven commonly used chemicals:

Chemical	Main Applications	Reason for Regulation	Recommended Alternatives	Key Features of Alternatives
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane)	Paint removers, cleaning agents	Affects the respiratory system; long-term exposure may cause CNS damage and cancer risk	Propylene Carbonate, NMP substitutes	Propylene carbonate is less toxic and effective for paint removal; substitutes reduce volatility and health risks
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)	Dry cleaning, metal cleaning	Harmful to health and environment; contaminates groundwater and soil	CO₂ dry ice cleaning, water-based dry cleaning technology	CO₂ dry ice cleaning is environmentally friendly with no residue; water-based dry cleaning is non-toxic and suitable for dry cleaning
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)	Electronics manufacturing cleaning, stripping agent	Irritating to skin and respiratory tract; potential reproductive toxicity	Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether (DPGME), Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL)	Low toxicity, suitable for electronics manufacturing and cleaning, low volatility, and good cleaning performance
Toluene	Paints, adhesives, cleaning agents	Toxic to CNS; long-term exposure affects health	Isopropanol (IPA), Ethyl Acetate	IPA is non-toxic with lower volatility; ethyl acetate is a natural, eco-friendly, low-toxicity solvent
n-Hexane	Degreasing agent	Neurotoxic; prolonged exposure may cause nerve damage	Isohexane, Hydrocarbon-based cleaning solvents	Isohexane is less neurotoxic than n-hexane; hydrocarbon solvents are non-toxic and effective for cleaning
Formaldehyde	Industrial solvent, surface treatment	Highly toxic, carcinogenic, severe health hazards	Water-based adhesives, formaldehyde-free adhesives	Water-based adhesives are safe and non-toxic; formaldehyde-free adhesives are more human- and eco-friendly
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFOS / PFOA)	Stain repellents, surfactants	Persistent, bioaccumulative, potentially carcinogenic, and harmful to health	Fluoroether-based alternatives (e.g., Novec 1230), water-based surfactants	Fluoroethers are non-toxic and environmentally friendly; water-based surfactants are non-volatile and biodegradable

 

 

Conclusion

 

As awareness of human health and environmental risks continues to grow, many chemicals that were once widely used are now increasingly restricted. To fulfill corporate social responsibility, the future direction lies in actively seeking safer, low-toxicity, and environmentally friendly alternatives, while promoting sustainable practices in both industrial and consumer applications. This approach not only reduces potential risks but also helps companies establish robust development strategies that balance production efficiency with social responsibility, ensuring the health and safety of both employees and consumers.