At what point can solvent vapors ignite?

The ignition of solvent vapors occurs at the flashpoint, which is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can produce enough vapor to ignite when exposed to an open flame or spark. The flashpoint is a crucial factor in determining the flammability of a substance and is a key aspect to consider when handling and storing solvents.

Solvent vapors may not ignite at just any temperature; it requires reaching the flashpoint to generate sufficient vapor that can react with air and catch fire. Therefore, understanding the flashpoint of the specific solvent in use is vital for maintaining safety during cleaning operations, especially in upholstery and fabric cleaning where various solvents are utilized. Conditions like room temperature or simply being mixed with air do not guarantee ignition without reaching the critical temperature defined as the flashpoint. This emphasizes the importance of temperature awareness in preventing combustion hazards.