Things are Potential about Acetone

Roughly 75% of the available acetone is used to produce other chemicals, and 12% is used as a solvent. Applications range from surface coatings, films and adhesives to cleaning fluids and pharmaceutical applications. Other consumer and commercial applications include: Lacquers for automotive/furniture finishes, Cellulose acetate films and fibers, Photographic films and plates casting, Coatings and inks, Resin thinners and cleanup operations, General purpose cements, Degreasing and degumming agents, Paint, varnish, lacquer strippers, Nail polish removers, Various cosmetic products

Based on the uses for acetone, the public could be exposed through:

1. Workplace exposure – This refers to potential exposure to acetone in an acetone/phenol manufacturing facility or through evaporation in various industrial and consumer product applications. Generally, exposure to acetone of personnel in acetone manufacturing facilities is relatively low because the process, storage and handling operations are enclosed. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1,000 parts per million (ppm) per an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®) are 500 ppm 8-hour TWA, and 750 ppm for short-term exposure limit (STEL – 15 minutes).

2. Consumer use of products containing acetone – This category of exposure is highly variable depending on the products used and the conditions under which they are used. Exposure of the majority of consumers to commercial acetone sources is likely to be infrequent and of short duration. Exposure could occur through the use of acetone in personal care items or in lacquers and paint. The best way to prevent exposure to vapors is to work in well-ventilated areas.

3. Environmental releases – Approximately 97% of the acetone released to the atmosphere comes from natural sources, such as decomposing vegetation and forest fires. Man-made releases of acetone to the atmosphere are comparatively small.

4. Catastrophic release – Industrial spills or releases are infrequent and often controlled. A spill poses a significant flammability issue. The levels of acetone in water as low as 1% can create a flammable headspace. Acetone may react vigorously with certain oxidizing agents such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Appropriate emergency response personnel should be called for large spills. Fires may be controlled with carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers or alcohol foam. The combustion products are carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

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