Acetone Facts
The Toxins in Your Household
Properties of the Solvent
The solvent Acetone can often be found in cleaners right in your household. Acetone is a colourless liquid with a prominent smell. It is also an extremely flammable liquid that is toxic in high doses.
Health and Environmental Impacts
Health Impacts
Exposure to acetone can damage kidneys, cause difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, comas, and in extreme cases- death.Ingestion:
damage to the tissues in the mouth and can lead to unconsciousness
Breathing:
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
Headaches/dizziness/nausea/unconsciousness
Women may experience menstrual irregularity
Skin contact:
Skin contact with acetone can irritate or damage your skin
Environmental Impacts
97% of the acetone released during its manufacture or use goes into the air (because it is so volatile)
It moves from the atmosphere into the water and soil and can move into groundwater
- When exposed to aquatic life, acetone's slight toxicity can make an impact
- Acetone has caused membrane damage, a decrease in size and decrease in germination of many plants
How Can You Reduce Your Exposure?
Avoid Second-Hand Smoke
Avoid breathing near smokers to avoid inhaling the harmful acetone that cigarettes contain.
Avoid Consumption/Absorption
Be sure to wash your hands after using acetone products right away to avoid absorption or consumption of acetone.
Take Proper Precautions
If you are dealing with any products that contain acetone be sure to take the proper precautions. You should protect yourself by wearing:
- a mask
- gloves
- safety goggles
Products That Come in Contact with Skin
Non-Acetone nail polish removers may not be as efficient, however no acetone will come in contact with your skin or be inhaled.
Non-Acetone Cleaning Products
Find non-acetone cleaning products. Pink Solution for example is a very effective, non-toxic, and biodegradable all purpose cleaner. It is so natural you can eat it.
Ventilation
When using acetone products be sure to keep the area well ventilated by opening windows so that the fumes don't overwhelm or harm you.