Petroleum-based solvents pose which hazards that caused many elevator companies to stop using them?

• A. health risks and fire hazards
• B. environmental hazards
• C. noise
• D. cost

Answer: (A)

Petroleum-based solvents carry significant health and fire risks. Workers exposed to these solvents can suffer acute effects from inhalation or skin contact, such as dizziness, headaches, irritation, or dermatitis, and there are also long-term health concerns with repeated exposure. They are highly flammable, releasing vapors that can ignite or explode in the confined, equipment-filled spaces typical of elevator rooms and hoistways. Because of these serious safety hazards, many elevator companies shifted away from petroleum-based solvents in favor of safer, nonflammable or lower-toxicity cleaners. Environmental concerns and cost can be factors too, but the primary motivators here are the health and fire hazards.