Acetone

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, or eye contact Summary of Acute Health Hazards Ingestion: Acetone has a low order of toxicity but is very irritating to mucous membranes. Ingestion of a toxic dose can cause gastroenteric irritation, narcosis and injury to the kidneys and liver. Aspiration into lungs can produce severe lung damage and is a medical emergency. Other symptoms are expected to parallel inhalation. Inhalation: The vapor is irritating to mucous membranes. Vapor concentration of 2,500-3,000 ppm causes minor irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Inhalation of higher concentration may cause headache, nausea, confusion, drowsiness, convulsions and coma. Higher concentrations can produce central nervous system depression, narcosis, and unconsciousness. Skin: Prolonged exposure to the vapor irritates the skin. Repeated and prolonged contact of the liquid with skin can cause dryness and erythema (inflammation). Eyes: Eye contact with acetone is irritating and may be damaging. Summary of Chronic Health Hazards: N/A Effects of Overexposure: Acts as an anesthetic in very high concentrations. Headache, nausea, dizziness, and narcosis can result from excessive exposure to vapors. Causes severe eye irritation, experienced as discomfort or pain, excess blinking and tear production, with marked excess redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. Corneal injury may occur. Prolonged contact of the liquid with the skin can have a defatting action and may result in dermititus. Absorption through intact skin is not expected to cause systemic injury; however, possible skin absorption should be considered in meeting TLV requirements.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Use of alcoholic beverages enhances toxic effects Exposure may increase the toxic potential of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as chloroform, trichloroethane. Note to Physicians: Aspirated acetone may cause severe lung damage and present a significant hazard. Stomach contents should be evacuated quickly in a manner which avoids aspiration. Otherwise, treatment of overexposure is directed at the control of symptoms and the clinical condition of the patient. No specific antidote is known.