Bio-Solv Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How is Bio-Solv a renewable product?
A: Bio-Solv is formulated from chemicals derived from plants, mostly corn.

Q: Does Bio-Solv release VOCs into the atmosphere?
A: Yes, Bio-Solv and all solvents, chemicals, coatings and fuels that evaporate and are made of compounds that contain carbon are VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Bio-Solv does not contain or release Hazardous Air Pollutants "HAPs" or Toxic Air pollutants "TAPs" into the air. Everyone is concerned about their "Carbon Footprint" and the amount of carbon or VOCs released into our air because VOC emissions are linked to SMOG, air pollution and global warming. But not all VOCs are the same and not all solvents work in the same way. Two important points to consider when comparing VOC emissions of solvents:
     Evaporation Rate: Acetone evaporates 6 times (or more) faster than Bio-Solv because of it's high vapor pressure. Since a solvent needs to remain liquid in order to clean, Bio-Solv's low vapor pressure and resulting low evaporation rate is the main reason it lasts 5 to 10 times longer than acetone. This means that acetone emits 5 to 10 times more VOCs into the air than Bio-Solv for the same amount of cleaning (work).
     New Carbon added to the atmosphere: Since Bio-Solv is Carbon Neutral, its use does not add new carbon into the atmosphere. Acetone and other petroleum based solvents made from oil add new carbon to the atmosphere when used. Carbon (VOCs) released into the atmosphere from petroleum solvents are said to be Carbon Positive.

Q: Bio-Solv contains no HAPs, what is a HAP?
A: Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) are chemicals which can cause adverse effects to human health or the environment. Congress has identified over 188 of these pollutants, including substances that cause cancer, neurological, respiratory, and reproductive effects. There is a list of HAPs on the EPA website.

Q: Why is something made from plants said to be Carbon Neutral?
A: Plants use a process called photosynthesis to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into sugars needed to grow. When alcohols and chemicals produced from plants evaporate, they release the carbon previously absorbed by the plants used to make them back into the atmosphere.  There is theoretically no new carbon load added. This is different than using chemicals and fuels made from fossil fuels which add new carbon to the atmosphere that was previously locked in "storage" within the earth.

Q: What is a Hazmat?
A: Hazardous Materials or Hazmats are materials considered dangerous and/or hazardous to people and the environment. Their use, shipping, handling, storage, spill remediation and disposal are strictly regulated and controlled to minimize risks and impact to the environment and people.

Q: Can I use Bio-Solv without gloves?
A: Bio-Solv is a powerful cleaner/solvent and will remove the oils from your skin and may cause irritation. As with any cleaner or solvent skin and eye protection are recommended. You should always use in a well ventilated area.

Q: Is Bio-Solv Flammable?
A: The DOT and other agencies that regulate the safety, transportation and storage of chemicals have a classification system for liquids that useing the material's Flash Point to determine how easily it burns. Becasue of it's high flash point of 149 ° F, above normal working and storage temperatures, Bio-Solv is not classified as flammable. It is classified as a combustible liquid. Combustible liquids are much safer to use in the workplace and do not require special storage consideration like flammable liquids do. Read more about Bio-Solv and Flammability.

Q: Can Bio-Solv be recycled?
A: Yes, because of its low vapor pressure and evaporate it is easily recycled using mechanical filtering. Parts washing systems and paint gun cleaning systems that capture "dirty" solvent and filter it for reuse are readily available.

Q: Where can I download information about Bio-Solv?
A: Download a Product Sheet or MSDS Sheet here.