Best Non-Toxic Degreaser in 2025

1-Bromopropane is a colorless liquid that is commercially used with additives to boost its performance in applications and prevent decomposition. Initially, it was utilized in the production of pesticides, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. However, studies have shown that exposure to 1-bromopropane can lead to various health issues including reddening of the skin, peripheral neuropathy, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. It has been found that adverse effects occur in animals exposed to levels above 250 ppm and 200 ppm. Furthermore, workers in factories that produce 1-Bromopropane have exhibited signs of toxicity affecting the central nervous system and peripheral nerves.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a colorless, nonflammable liquid primarily used as an industrial solvent, featuring in products like adhesives, paint removers, and correction fluids. It's not natural to the environment but has been found in groundwater and surface waters due to its manufacture and disposal. Exposure to TCE, either short-term or chronic, can impact the central nervous system and cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion and weakness, while also affecting other organs like the liver and kidneys. It has even been linked to several types of cancer, particularly in the kidneys, liver, cervix and lymphatic system. Although TCE itself poses a low fire hazard, under certain conditions like exposure to flames or other specific metals, it can produce phosgene, a highly toxic gas, or react violently with other strong oxidizers. To handle or transport TCE safely, it should be stored in steel drums in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.

Tetrachloroethylene is a manufactured chemical primarily used for dry cleaning and metal-degreasing, and also serves as an ingredient in other chemicals and consumer products. It can cause central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, and induce anesthesia when inhaled in high concentrations. Tetrachloroethylene is also associated with causing skeletal abnormalities in mice and increased spontaneous abortion rates in women exposed to it occupationally in Finland. Despite its potential harmful effects, a study found no clear link between occupational exposure and subsequent cancer incidence. Remedial measures like ventilating affected areas and donning protective clothing are recommended for handling spills; its containers should be kept away from fire to prevent production of poisonous phosgene gas.

Acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid that dissolves in water and has a distinct smell and taste. It is also known as dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, and beta-ketopropane. This manufactured chemical, which is used to create plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals, can also be found in the environment in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites, with industrial processes contributing more to its presence than natural ones. Acetone can be harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially causing irritation to the skin and respiratory tract, as well as adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS), liver, and kidneys. The allowable exposure limit is set based on its potential to cause eye and upper respiratory irritation and CNS impairment.

Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.

Diethylene glycol ethers is a chemical that has been found to have hematologic, liver, and kidney effects. Exposure to large amounts, about 250 mg/kg/day, can lead to central nervous system depression and other organ damage in rats and may decrease red blood cell counts. It does not show genotoxic, mutagenic, liver, kidney, blood, or reproductive toxicity in animals or humans, but it is classified as an exceptional allergen. The material can be absorbed through the skin and is identified as a mild skin irritant and a severe eye irritant. Notably, its toxicity is lower than that of ethylene glycol ethers.

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is a manufactured chemical found naturally in some trees, fruits, and vegetables, and is released from vehicle exhausts. The colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor is primarily used in paints, coatings, glues, and as a cleaning agent due to its quick evaporation and solubility properties. Human exposure can result in irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and long-term inhalation can cause mild neurological, liver, kidney, and respiratory effects in animals. Developmental effects like decreased fetal weight and malformations have been observed in mice and rats. While the EPA has not classified it for human carcinogenicity, it is listed as a potential substance for narcotic abuse by inhalation by the U.N. International Drug Control Programme due its potential to cause Central Nervous System depression.

2-Aminoethanol is a colorless, viscous liquid that, despite not being registered for pesticide use in the U.S, holds vast potential in a variety of applications. It can be used in cutting fluids, production of soaps, surfactants, salts, corrosion control inhibitors, pharmaceuticals, and even in protective topical solutions against chemical warfare agents. Used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant, 2-Aminoethanol is effective as a solvent for fats and oils and in creating emulsion formulas like lotions and creams. However, it poses health risks, as a 5.9% concentration can irritate human skin and inhalation may cause allergic reactions, liver damage, and liver symptoms.

Hydrochloric acid is used in multiple industries like chlorides, fertilizers, dyes, electroplating, and others. It has dangerous health effects like irritation and inflammation of eyes, nose and respiratory tract, and pulmonary edema after short-term inhalation; corrosion to mucous membranes, esophagus, and stomach and severe burns after oral exposure; dermatitis, photosensitization, gastritis and chronic bronchitis after long-term occupational exposure. While the EPA hasn't classified hydrochloric acid for carcinogenicity, many chemicals can spill to release HCl in water.

Phosphoric acid, in liquid or solid form, can cause second-degree burns upon contact within minutes. It's usually shipped as a solid or an 85% solution and is corrosive to skin when the concentration is over 70%. This acid is also an irritant to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract, however, the risk of pulmonary edema is minimal.

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an odorless white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It generates significant heat when dissolved in water or neutralized with acid which may ignite combustible materials. It is highly corrosive and is typically used as a solid or in a 50% solution. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture a variety of products including soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. Exposure to this substance may cause severe burns, necrosis, and pulmonary edema, depending on the concentration and exposure method.

Potassium hydroxide 30-70% is a liquid that is highly corrosive to skin, causing second or third-degree burns even after brief contact. It is a hazardous substance that can also induce pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by excessive fluid in the lungs. The effects and properties of this chemical can be compared to those of Sodium hydroxide.

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

Ethanolamine is a liquid that can cause first-degree burns on short exposure. It is known to be a skin irritant and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Occupational exposure, notably among hairdressers, has been linked to asthma. Inhalation of ethanolamine in high concentrations can lead to Central Nervous System (CNS) depression and can be toxic to the liver, as shown in subchronic inhalation studies in animals. It is also a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, with the potential to sensitize the skin.

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.

Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.

Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.

Diethylene glycol ethers is a chemical that has been found to have hematologic, liver, and kidney effects. Exposure to large amounts, about 250 mg/kg/day, can lead to central nervous system depression and other organ damage in rats and may decrease red blood cell counts. It does not show genotoxic, mutagenic, liver, kidney, blood, or reproductive toxicity in animals or humans, but it is classified as an exceptional allergen. The material can be absorbed through the skin and is identified as a mild skin irritant and a severe eye irritant. Notably, its toxicity is lower than that of ethylene glycol ethers.

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, when administered orally or through the skin in doses exceeding 800-1000 mg/kg/day, can cause central nervous system depression and changes to the liver and kidneys in animals. However, it doesn't exhibit significant developmental toxicity at these levels. The chemical is not expected to have adverse effects unless workers are exposed to its heated liquid mists. It is an eye irritant and provokes harm to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and reproductive system in animal feeding studies. Despite these potential harms, it is poorly absorbed through the skin.

Ethylene glycol is a synthetic, odorless liquid with a sweet taste and water absorption properties. It is commonly used in antifreeze and de-icing solutions for vehicles, hydraulic brake fluids, and certain inks. Although lethal in large ingested quantities, leading to central nervous system depression, cardiopulmonary effects, and renal damage, exposure to low levels can cause minor throat and upper respiratory tract irritation. Chronic exposure in animals has demonstrated kidney toxicity and liver effects. Despite its potential toxicity, ethylene glycol poisoning is unlikely through skin contact and inhalation at room temperature due to its low volatility, though caution should be taken if the liquid is heated or sprayed.

Glutaraldehyde is a colorless, sharp-smelling oily liquid used for a variety of purposes, such as disinfection, sterilization of surfaces, oil and gas recovery, waste water treatment, x-ray processing, leather tanning, paper production, and as chemical intermediate for various other materials. It can also be found in select products like paint and laundry detergent. Although widely used, Glutaraldehyde can cause several health issues, including effecting asthma, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation to skin and respiratory tract, and in high concentrations, toxic hepatitis in mice. It's known to cause severe irritation to eyes and skin, and even small vapor concentrations can result in throat and nose irritation. Reports suggest that it was connected to 9% of work-related asthma cases among healthcare workers over a five-year period.

Glycolic Acid is corrosive to the skin and eyes, with 70% technical solutions causing severe burns. It also irritates the respiratory tract and may lead to kidney failures. The chemical can cause burns when inhaled, leading to possible injuries to the upper respiratory tract and lungs. It is also harmful if ingested.

5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) is a compound frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics, hygiene products, and other industrial applications such as hydraulic fracturing fluids. It can also be deployed as a pesticide in the U.S, pending regulatory approval. CMI, which is often used in combination with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI), can cause contact dermatitis in humans. Various animal studies have shown that a high exposure to a CMIT/MIT mixture can cause alterations in rats' liver function. The production and use of CMI in a range of products mean it can be release into the environment, with some susceptibility to degradation through photolysis in sunlight. Its mobility in soil is high but volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be significant. Occupational and general exposure to CMI can occur especially through inhalation and dermal contact with CMI-containing products.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate, commonly found in cleaning products, has been linked to allergic contact dermatitis among workers. It is a strong eye irritant, causing mild to severe eye irritation, possible corneal injury, and mild skin irritation. Inhalation can be harmful. It has been shown to cause changes in liver functions and have demonstrated effects on the liver, kidney, and fetus at doses that are toxic to mothers (maternally toxic) in non-mammalian species. Despite these effects, there is no reported teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, or skin sensitization associated with nonylphenol ethoxylate in experimental animals and human studies.