Where It Comes From
- Where it comes from — Made for plastics and fibers; also produced naturally in small amounts by the body; released from vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and many household products [1].
How You Are Exposed
- How you’re exposed — Mostly by breathing vapors during use; also by skin contact or, less often, drinking contaminated water; workers can have the highest exposures [1][2].
Why It Matters
- Why it matters — Short-term exposure can cause irritation, headache, and dizziness; very high levels may cause nausea, drowsiness, or unconsciousness; repeated high exposure may affect liver, kidneys, or nerves. Not known to cause cancer in humans [1].
Who Is at Risk
- Who’s at higher risk — Workers in manufacturing, auto refinishing, labs, and nail salons; people using solvents in small or poorly ventilated spaces; individuals with breathing problems [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
- Lower your exposure — Use in well-ventilated areas or outdoors; choose acetone-free or low-VOC products; keep containers closed; avoid skin contact; follow workplace controls and PPE (gloves, eye protection) [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Acetone. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts21.pdf
- [2]CDC/NIOSH. Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Acetone. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0004.html