Acetone

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION DANGER Highly flammable liquid. Eye injury. Skin irritant. Toxic by inhalation/toxic by ingestion. May cause nausea and dizziness. May cause central nervous system effect.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact.

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Acute Effects Central nervous system depression is the most common effect, resembling intoxication by ethyl alcohol. Excitation is followed by impaired motor coordination, slurred speech, sensory disturbances such as double vision and vertigo, flushing of the face, rapid pulse, and sweating. Nausea and vomiting are common. Other symptoms include dryness of the mouth and throat, headache, sleepiness, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, and loss of energy. Very high exposures may cause unconsciousness, coma, or death. Kidney toxicity may occur but is rare following acute exposure. Post-alcoholic headache and gastritis are common in recovery. Inhalation exposure may cause lung irritation and cough. Skin contact may result in redness, irritation, and dermatitis since acetone has a drying effect on the skin. Contact with eyes can result in irritation and eye injury.

Potential chronic health

Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat are the most common problems associated with chronic exposure to acetone. Central nervous system effects such as dizziness and sleepiness can occur, as can dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin. Carcinogenic Acetone is not considered carcinogenic by OSHA, NIOSH, NTP, IARC or EPA. Potential Adverse Chemical Interactions Acetone may increase the toxicity to the liver and kidney of chemicals such as ethanol, 1, 2-dichloroethylene, and chloroform. Humans with liver or kidney disease may be at increased risk due to this potentiation effect.