What hazardous solvent is banned from use?

• A. Benzene
• B. Methanol
• C. Carbon tetrachloride
• D. Toluene

Answer: (C)

The key point here is understanding why certain solvents are banned due to extreme health and safety risks. Carbon tetrachloride is prohibited because it is extraordinarily toxic even at low exposures, with the potential to cause severe liver damage and other organ toxicity. In addition, if it is exposed to heat or flame, it can break down to phosgene, a highly poisonous gas, which makes handling it aboard especially dangerous. Because of these serious hazards, safety rules and maritime regulations generally ban its use.

Benzene is also highly hazardous and carcinogenic, and methanol and toluene require careful handling, but they are not universally banned; they’re typically allowed under strict controls and proper ventilation.