US EPA

9104089 

Journal Article 

New technology alkaline cleaners replace chlorinated solvent degreasers 

Quitmeyer, J 

1991 

1 

Lubrication Engineering
ISSN: 0024-7154 

47 

3 

162-165 

English 

is also published as 5474419 in the metalworking industry
has other version or edition 9104113 New technology alkaline cleaners replace chlorinated solvent degreasers

For many years the Metalworking Industry has cleaned metal parts with chlorinated solvents such as trichlorethylene, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene or 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane. Recently, however, health and disposal-related environmental concerns have increased regarding chlorinated solvents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has instituted worker vapor exposure limitations for virtually all of the solvents used in solvent-based cleaners. In addition, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined virtually all solvent-based cleaners as hazardous. The cradle-to-grave responsibility of the waste generator is another factor behind concerns over chlorinated solvents. After using chlorinated solvents, the resulting sludge and/or used solvent must be treated as a hazardous waste. In the United States, a chlorinated solvent may cost between $1.00-$1.50/lb. To this $1.37/lb.