Acetone

Agent Name
Acetone
CAS Number
67-64-1
Formula
C3-H6-O
Major Category
Solvents
Acetone formula graphical representation
Synonyms
2-Propanone; Aceton [German, Dutch, Polish]; Acetone; Acetone (natural); Chevron acetone; Dimethyl ketone; Dimethylformaldehyde; Dimethylketal; Ketone propane; Ketone, dimethyl; Methyl ketone; Propanone; Pyroacetic acid; Pyroacetic ether; beta-Ketopropane; [ChemIDplus] UN1090
Category
Ketones (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with a fragrant, mint-like odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a solvent and to produce methacrylates; [LaDou, p. 546] Used as an intermediate and solvent or cleaner (gum waxes, resins, fats, greases, oils, dyes, cellulosics, coatings, plastics, and varnishes); [ACGIH]
Comments
Can be absorbed by skin or inhalation; Can reach harmful concentrations after spill at room temperature or after spraying; Skin and respiratory tract irritant; Adverse effects on CNS, liver, and kidneys; [Reference #1] TLV Basis is irritation (eyes and upper respiratory tract) and CNS impairment; [ACGIH]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

BEI
Acetone in urine = 25 mg/L; at end of shift; [TLVs and BEIs]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
250 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
500 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
1000 ppm
MAK
500 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
2500 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Volunteers experienced slight irritation at 300 ppm but 500 ppm was tolerated [Nelson et al. 1943]. Eye irritation, headache, lightheadedness, nasal irritation, and throat irritation were noted in workers exposed to concentrations considerably in excess of 1,000 ppm and perhaps as high as 6,500 ppm [Raleigh and McGee 1972]. No indications of toxicity were reported following exposures to 2,100 ppm for 8 hours/day [Haggard et al. 1944].
Vapor Pressure
231 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
3.6 ppm
Odor Threshold High
653 ppm
RD50
23480 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) =50,100 mg/m3/8H
Explanatory Notes
IDLH 10% LEL (lower explosive limit; Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 62 ppm); Flash point = -18 deg C; VP from HSDB;
Half Life
Blood: 3 hours; whole body: 19-31 hours; [TDR, p. 17]
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure: