Acetone

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

Acetone in urine = 25 mg/L; at end of shift; [TLVs and BEIs]

Insufficient data

250 ppm

500 ppm

1000 ppm

500 ppm

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].

231 mm Hg

3.6 ppm

Odor Threshold High

653 ppm

23480 ppm

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;

Blood: 3 hours; whole body: 19-31 hours; [TDR, p. 17]

Reference Link #2

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Silk-Screen Printing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Smoking cigarettes