Guidance

Acetone: general information

Updated 9 December 2024

Overview

Acetone, also known as propan-2-one, is a colourless liquid with a fruity odour. It can occur naturally and is also man-made.

Uses of acetone

It is manufactured in large quantities to produce a variety of products including solvents for paints, plastics, adhesives, nail polish and varnish removers. It is also used to make other chemicals, artificial leather and rubber products and resins.

How acetone gets into the environment

Acetone enters the air, water and soil following natural process such as forest fires, but to a greater extent from human activities. These include its manufacture and use, from vehicle exhausts and tobacco smoke, as well as from burning waste and from landfills.

Acetone released in the environment usually degrades in a matter of days and does not build up. It is broken down by sunlight and bacteria in soil and water. Therefore, levels of acetone in the environment would be expected to be low.

Exposure to acetone

The human body naturally produces small amounts of acetone during the breakdown of fat and it may be present in the diet as it occurs naturally in several fruits and vegetables. There may also be exposure to very low levels of acetone in drinking water and outdoor air following release from natural and man-made sources. There may be exposure to slightly more acetone in indoor air due to the use of acetone containing products and cigarette smoking indoors. Exposure to low levels of acetone in the environment, as part of a normal diet, and through correct use of products that contain acetone is not a concern for health.

Exposure to acetone may occur in the workplace where it is used or produced. However safe limits are enforced to protect the employees. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.

How exposure to acetone could affect your health

The presence of acetone in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects, you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to acetone by breathing or ingesting it, or by skin contact with it. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical, and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Low level exposure following the correct use of household products that contain acetone would not be expected to cause adverse health effects.

Breathing high levels of acetone can cause throat and lung irritation and tightening of the chest. Accidental ingestion of products containing acetone can lead to nausea, vomiting (vomit may contain blood), and inflammation of the mouth.

If people get acetone on their skin it may cause skin irritation; skin may be dry, red and inflamed. Exposure of the eyes with liquid and acetone vapours can lead to irritation or eye damage. Exposure to the eyes for a long time may cause permanent damage.

When acetone is breathed in or ingested it can be absorbed into the body. This can cause headache, movement problems, tiredness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and fitting. There may be a fruity smell on the breath. In severe cases there may be a swelling of the brain, unconsciousness, low body temperature, and slowed breathing.

Acetone and cancer

Exposure to acetone has not been linked to the development of cancer.

Pregnancy and unborn child

There is very limited data available on the direct effects of exposure to acetone during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions. Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to acetone causes the mother to become unwell.

Low level exposure from the correct use of products containing acetone would not be expected to adversely affect the health of the mother or the unborn child.

Children

Children exposed to acetone will show similar effects to those seen in adults. They are not expected to be more sensitive to the effects of acetone.

Acetone containing products in the home should be stored in an appropriate container and kept out of the reach of children.

What do do if you are exposed to acetone

Low level exposure from the correct use of products that contain acetone would not be expected to cause any adverse health effects.

Advice following all other exposures to acetone:

• you should remove yourself from the source of exposure
• if you have got acetone on your skin, remove soiled clothing (not above the head), wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice
• if you have got acetone in your eyes, remove contact lenses, irrigate the affected eye with lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice
• if you have inhaled or ingested acetone seek medical advice

Additional sources of information

• UKTIS: best use of medicines in pregnancy
• NHS.UK information on poisoning

Feedback survey

Help us improve the compendium of chemical hazards by taking our short survey.