Solvent-activated color-forming compositions

A solvent-activated, color-forming composition, comprising:

• a. a solvent-absorbing material;
• b. a color former compounded with said solvent-absorbing material, wherein said color former functions as a metal chelating agent;
• and
• c. metal ions capable of forming a chelate complex with said color former as said solvent-absorbing material absorbs a solvent, resulting in a detectable color change of said composition.

A method for indicating exposure of a color-forming composition to a solvent, said method comprising:

• (a) providing a solvent;
• (b) providing a solvent-absorbing material;
• (c) compounding a color-former which functions as a metal chelating agent, with said solvent-absorbing material;
• (d) providing metal ions;
• and
• (e) contacting said solvent-absorbing material with said solvent, whereby as said solvent is absorbed by said solvent-absorbing material, said metal ions contact and chelate with said color former resulting in a detectable color change of said composition.