Løsningsmiddelbruk

Løsningsmiddelbruk, or solvent use, refers to the application of chemical substances known as solvents to dissolve, extract, or suspend other materials. Solvents are typically liquids, although gases and solids can also act as solvents. Their primary characteristic is their ability to form homogeneous mixtures, or solutions, with other substances, known as solutes. This property makes them indispensable in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and domestic processes.

Industrially, solvents are crucial in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. They are used in chemical synthesis to facilitate reactions and in purification processes to separate desired products from impurities. Extraction processes, such as those used in the food industry for oil extraction or in the mining industry for metal recovery, heavily rely on solvents. The cleaning and degreasing of machinery and surfaces also commonly employ solvents.

Domestically, common solvent uses include nail polish remover, household cleaners, and some types of glues. Many art supplies, such as oil paints and varnishes, require solvents for thinning and cleaning.

The use of solvents is not without its challenges. Many solvents are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to air pollution and have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory irritation, neurological damage, and in some cases, carcinogenicity. Proper handling, storage, and disposal are therefore essential to mitigate risks. Regulations exist in many regions to control solvent emissions and ensure worker safety. Alternatives to traditional solvents, such as water-based systems or "greener" solvents, are increasingly being developed and adopted to reduce environmental and health impacts.