Though it has a sweet scent, acetone is anything but harmless and poses serious health risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has documented numerous cases where improper handling of acetone has led to severe, even fatal, consequences. If your organization stores, produces, or plans to use acetone, it’s crucial to have comprehensive hazard and safety guidelines in place. This blog will help you understand the dangers of acetone and provide essential safety tips to ensure proper handling and storage. 

 

Understanding the dangers of any chemical begins with a deep knowledge of its components. Let’s start by exploring what acetone is and breaking down this toxic substance step by step. This will help you grasp why it poses health risks to humans and other living beings. 

 

Acetone: In Brief 

 

Acetone, also referred to as Dimethyl Ketone, is a colorless liquid that serves as a versatile solvent. It plays a crucial role in the production of various chemicals and is highly effective in dissolving substances such as fats, resins, plastics, and oils. This widespread utility makes acetone an essential component in numerous industrial and manufacturing processes. 

Acetone, while commonly produced in laboratories, is also a naturally occurring substance found in the environment. This substance evaporates quickly, is highly flammable, and mixes well with water. Acetone naturally occurs in plants, trees, and volcanic emissions. Its presence has been observed in the human body. Traces of acetone can be found in vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites. 

The harmful effects of Acetone have already been identified by federal agencies like OSHA, DOT, and NIOSH, etc. For this reason, it can be found listed in the Right to Know Hazardous Substance list. Acetone is also listed on the Special Health Hazard Substance List, highlighting its potential risks to health when not handled properly. 

 

 

Acetone Chemical Profile:

 

Acetone is a type of methyl ketone, a chemical compound that includes an oxygen atom attached to a carbon atom in the middle of a propane molecule. It acts as a solvent, meaning it can dissolve other substances. Additionally, acetone is considered a volatile organic compound. In easy terms, it easily evaporates into the air. 

 

Below is the detailed chemical profile, look: 

 

Physical Description: 

Flash Point   

0°F 

 
Vapors   

Heavier than air 

 
Odor   

Fruity 

 
Taste        

Pungent, Sweetish 

 
Boling Point   

133 °F at 760 mmHg 

 
Density   

0.791 at 68 °F   

 

 

 

  • Acetone Hazards:

 Numerous OSHA reports have documented fatalities resulting from severe acetone exposure, highlighting its potential danger. It’s crucial for your organization to be aware of the following hazards associated with acetone: 

 

  • Highly Flammable:

Acetone is highly flammable and can ignite easily. That’s why it poses a significant fire risk. Its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, which may be ignited by heat, sparks, or open flames. 

 

  • Air and Water Reaction:

Acetone is highly flammable and water-soluble. Its vapors are heavier than air and can travel to distant ignition sources. It may also potentially cause flashbacks. This characteristic makes it especially hazardous in low or confined areas, where vapors can accumulate and pose explosion risks. 

 

  • Extreme Fire Risk:

According to the Emergency Response Guide (ERG), acetone is highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. In some cases, like ethanol, acetone can burn with an invisible flame. This way it makes detection difficult without special equipment. Vapors may also spread and collect in confined spaces, creating an explosion hazard. Containers exposed to fire may explode, and runoff into sewers can create additional fire or explosion risks.

 

  • Health Risk:

Breathing in acetone vapors can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. At high concentrations, it can act as an anesthetic, causing dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness. Ingesting acetone, though low in toxicity, can irritate the mucous membranes, leading to discomfort. Prolonged skin contact may strip the skin of natural oils, resulting in dryness, irritation, or dermatitis.  

 

  • Chemical Reactivity and Explosion Risks:

Acetone can react violently with certain chemicals. When mixed with chloroform, nitrosyl chloride, nitrosyl perchlorate, or primary amines, acetone can react dangerously.  These reactions can be highly exothermic and may ignite or explode, posing severe risks in both laboratory and industrial settings. 

 

acetone GHS

 

What are the Potential Health Effects of Acetone? 

 

Each employee who works with acetone containers or lab assistants who require such toxic substances must be familiar with the following points. So, take a look.  

 

1) Health Effects (Acute): 

 

An individual may experience some short-term effects due to the exposure to acetone. It may be irritating to one’s skin in case of exposure. Besides, it can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. The affected individual may experience coughing and wheezing. In case of exposure to high concentration, one may experience nausea, vomiting and headache.  

 

2) Long Term Health Effects: 

 

Although long term exposure to acetone may damage the health of anyone. Experts have not yet discovered its ability to cause cancer. Also, limited evidence shows that it may damage male reproductive system.  

 

3) Other Effects:

 

While prolonged exposure to acetone can harm health, experts have not yet confirmed its potential to cause cancer. Additionally, there is some evidence suggesting it may negatively affect the male reproductive system, but this remains limited.  

 

 

Acetone WHMIS Classification:

 

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) classifies chemicals based on their properties and hazards, organizing them into six distinct classes. Each class is represented by a unique symbol, enabling quick identification of the associated risks. 

 

Here is how acetone can be classified as: 

  • Flammable liquids: Category 2 
  • Serious eye damage/eye irritation: Category 2A 
  • Signal Word: Danger 
  • Hazard statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor 

 

What are Unintentional Release Measures for Acetone? 

 

When acetone is accidentally released, it poses immediate risks due to its high flammability and potential health hazards. Quick and effective response measures are essential to minimize exposure, prevent ignition, and ensure safe cleanup. Here are key steps to take in the event of an unintentional acetone release. 

 

  • Evacuate Area:  

 Ensure all personnel evacuate the affected area to prevent exposure. 

 

  • Ventilation:  

 Immediately increase the ventilation in the area. It will help disperse acetone vapors and reduce concentration. 

 

  • Eliminate Ignition Sources:  

 Immediately remove any sources of ignition, such as open flames or electrical equipment, as acetone is highly flammable. 

 

  • Contain the Spill:  

Use non-sparking tools to contain and absorb the spill with inert materials. In such cases sand, earth, or vermiculite may help. 

 

  • Collect and Dispose:  

 Place the absorbed material into appropriate waste containers. This is important to ensure they are properly labeled and sealed. 

 

  • Prevent Environmental Contamination:  

 Prevent acetone from entering drains, sewers, or watercourses to avoid environmental contamination. 

 

  • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  

 Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and respiratory protection, to avoid direct contact with acetone during cleanup. 

What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) Recommended Exposure Limit for Acetone? 

 

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) aims to safeguard workers by establishing science-based occupational exposure guidelines known as TLVs (Threshold Limit Values) and BEIs (Biological Exposure Indices). These guidelines are globally recognized as the scientific foundation for developing workplace safety standards. 

Here is what ACGIH recommended about acetone: 

 

  • ACGIH® TLV® – TWA: 250 ppm. A4 BEI® (TWA = Time-Weighted Average) 
  • ACGIH® TLV® – STEL [C]: 500 ppm  (STEL = Short-term Exposure Limit. C = Ceiling limit.) 

 

 

Acetone Workplace Safety Guide:

 

Proper guidance is essential when handling acetone. To ensure workplace safety and minimize the risks associated with acetone, review the following pointers for effective safeguarding measures. 

 

Understanding Exposure Limits:  

When conducting mandatory training, it’s crucial to communicate key details, such as the workplace exposure limits for acetone. According to OSHA, the legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) for acetone is 1000 ppm, averaging over an 8-hour work shift. NIOSH, however, recommends a lower exposure limit of 250 ppm, averaging over a 10-hour work shift. 

 

Specific Workplace Controls and Practices: 

 

The following safety practices should be strictly adhered to in workplaces where acetone is handled: 

 

  • All containers should be labelled properly. 
  • Employees should receive adequate hazard information and training. 
  • Monitoring all airborne chemical concentrations. 
  • Emergency showers and eyewash fountains should be present in the workplace. 
  • Mandatory wash at the end of the work shift. 
  • It is advised to change out of contaminated clothing immediately to ensure safety. 
  • Before eating or smoking, hands should be washed properly. 

 

Personal Protective Equipment:

 

Required personal protective equipment should be present at the workplace to safeguard the workers. For instance, to avoid skin contact gloves and clothing are crucial. The ideal glove material for acetone is butyl. To protect eyes splash resistant goggles are necessary. All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before being issued to employees. 

 

What Type of Handling and Storage Practices should be Followed when Working with Acetone? 

 

The following are some of the handling and storage practices tips for acetone. Take a look. 

 

  • Identify Incompatible Materials:  

Ensure that all incompatible materials are identified and stored separately from acetone containers. For example, chloroform should be kept at a safe distance from acetone to prevent any hazardous reactions. 

 

  • Proper Ventilation:  

Always work with acetone in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of vapors. 

 

  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  

Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, to minimize skin and eye contact. 

 

  • Fire Safety:  

 Keep acetone away from open flames, sparks, and other sources of ignition. After all, it is highly flammable. 

 

  • Secure Storage:  

Store acetone in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials, such as metal or glass, and ensure the storage area is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. 

 

  • Labeling:  

Clearly label all containers with the contents and appropriate hazard warnings to prevent accidental misuse. 

 

Conclusion 

The acetone handling and safe practices are necessary for organizations to safeguard their workplace and employees. So, highlight all the required safety and hazard information, share the required information and make your workforce aware of their safety.