I often use Xylene - in a well vented area due to its excellent cleaning properties and the ability to work well with epoxy as a remover.
The following is a write up on the applications and health issues with respect to Xylene.

Take care
Roger

Applications
Xylene is used as a solvent and in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. p-Xylene is used as a feedstock in the production of terephthalic acid, which is a monomer used in the production of polymers. It is also used as a cleaning agent for steel and for silicon wafers and chips, a pesticide [1], a thinner for paint, and in paints and varnishes. It may be substituted for toluene to thin lacquers where slower drying is desired. It is found in small amounts in airplane fuel and gasoline. In animal studies it is often swabbed on the ears of rabbits to facilitate blood flow and collection, although the area must subsequently be cleansed with alcohol to prevent inflammation.


Related compounds
Xylenes are a starting material for the production of other chemicals. For instance chlorination of both methyl groups gives three isomeric xylene dichlorides or 1,2-bis(chloromethyl)benzenes. With oxidizing agents, such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4), the methyl group can be oxidized to a carboxylic acid. By oxidizing both methyl groups, o-xylene forms phthalic acid and p-xylene forms terephthalic acid.

In articles of commerce, the term xylol refers to the solvent mixture of three xylene isomers, sometimes containing ethylbenzene. In the chemical trade, this mixture is referred to as xylenes (plural). This substance must not be confused with the toxic and corrosive xyleneol compounds, which are dimethyl phenol isomers.


Health effects
Xylene exhibits neurological effects. High levels from exposure for acute (14 days or less) or chronic periods (more than 1 year) can cause headaches, lack of muscle coordination, dizziness, confusion, and changes in one's sense of balance[citation needed] . Exposure of people to high levels of xylene for short periods can also cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, difficulty in breathing and other problems with the lungs, delayed reaction time, memory difficulties, stomach discomfort, and possibly adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. It can cause unconsciousness and even death at very high levels (see inhalants). Xylene or products containing Xylene should not be used indoors or around food.

Studies of unborn animals indicate that high concentrations of xylene may cause increased numbers of deaths, and delayed growth and development.[citation needed] In many instances, these same concentrations also cause damage to the mothers. It is not yet known whether xylene harms the unborn fetus if the mother is exposed to low levels of xylene during pregnancy.

Besides occupational exposure, the principal pathway of human contact is via soil contamination from leaking underground storage tanks containing petroleum products. Humans who come into contact with the soil or groundwater may become affected. Use of contaminated groundwater as a water supply could lead to adverse health effects.

Isopropyl alcohol & a paper towel doesn't work good enough? Dentaured alcohol?

There are permissible exposure limits (PEL) for almost all volatile organic compounds and many other things that can be hazardous to health. These PEL's are available on the OSHA website. Any of you who have employees should be in compliance. Individuals .... well ... that is a different deal. OSHA isn't really that interested in individuals, just the employees. You can also ask for a MSDS from the place you bought the solvent. That will tell you the hazards for the material.
Bill

Billy,
Alcohol works fine for many things.

However, when a super cleaner as well as one to help dissolve partially cured epoxy, you will find that Xylene is a much better solvent.
Take care
Roger

I only use that stuff ,MEK and Acetone out side or with all the windows open and a fan going. The fuems well hid in a small area and build up. The licquid may evaporate but the fuems linger a lot longer. Also if there is a spark or any flame close by. By, By to you and what ever is around. I also foregot to mention any type of long term exposure well make you a brain dead Zombie

Good Wraps Bob

Same precautions should be taken with PermaGloss.

All these solvents or products with hot solvents should be used with extreme caution - if at all. It's not worth the health risks.
Herb

Herb,
Good advice on the note about Perma Gloss.
In past years, I was heavily involved with model building. For much of the finish work I used a 2 part epoxy paint for the ultimate finish.

However, after several years of using this paint for the model work, in both excellent and less than excellent ventilation conditions, I became sensitized to the hardner in the paint. I had no issue with the paint itself, but I did have a very sever reaction to the hardner.

It got to the point where I would end up in bed ill for a week if I ever painted indoors, even with excellent ventilation. If I painted out of doors, I could then use the paint, with no side effects. So, I moved to other finishing techniques so that I would not have to use the paint and hardner. Just another way of the body saying - ENOUGH already.

I also had quite a few of my friends who became sensitized to the use of epoxy glues.

Remember, compounds can be ingested through the skin. So, it is often a good idea to use rubber or latex gloves when doing finishing work and or cleaning. Otherwise, the compounds can get into the system vis the skin of hands and arms.

Be safe

Roger

YOu're frying your brain making model airplanes and being sloppy when you clean epoxy. I dunno, it's really easy to remove all teh epoxy off teh blank without any risks whatsoever.

A little water a few drops of licuid soap and a little denatured alcohal well remove any excess epoxy

Good Wraps Bob