Isophorone

Manufacturing and use of inks/paints/coatings; evaporation from consumer products; releases from industrial facilities; leaks at hazardous waste sites [1].

Breathing vapors during painting or printing; indoor air from recently applied products; outdoor air near facilities; drinking contaminated well water; skin contact while handling products [1].

Short-term exposure can irritate eyes, nose, and throat and cause headache, dizziness, and nausea; high or repeated exposure has affected liver and kidneys in animals. EPA classifies isophorone as a possible human carcinogen based on animal studies [1][2].

Workers in printing, paint/coatings, and adhesives; people using solvent-based products in poorly ventilated spaces; residents near industrial sites or contaminated groundwater [1].

Choose low-VOC or water-based products; use products outdoors or ventilate well; keep containers closed and store safely; wear gloves/eye protection when handling; follow workplace safety guidance; if you have a private well near industry or waste sites, consider testing for solvents before use [1].