...and further, answering my own question: Paint thinner is another name for mineral spirits. They have as a composition a range from C7 to C12 in hydrocarbonland. They contain less than .0-1% benzene. Now, quoting Wiki, that ultra occasionally reliable source-
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"Artists use mineral spirits as an alternative to
turpentine since it is less flammable and less toxic. Because of interactions with pigments, artists require a higher grade of mineral spirits than many industrial users, including the complete absence of residual sulfur.
Odorless Mineral Spirits are mineral spirits that have been further refined to remove the more toxic
aromatic compounds, and are recommended for applications such as
oil painting, where humans have close contact with the solvent."
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And where does turpentine come from you might ask:
Turpentine comes from trees. Steam wood heat wood etc and catch those drippings.
Finally from the Lacquer thinner institute:
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Lacquer thinner:
Used to dilute, dissolve and clean up of lacquer products. Typically too caustic for oil paints, lacquer thinner is often used additionally for removing inks on metal, and adhesive residue from a variety of surfaces. Lacquer thinner is very strong and rapidly deteriorates many surfaces and fabrics. Always test in inconspicuous area before use.
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That last bit about "rapidly deteriorates many surfaces..." is the part to pay attention to. If you're going to try lacquer thinner on a boxcar, make it a Varney or a roundhouse kit..