Common Name: Acetone
CAS Number: 67-64-1
DOT Number: UN 1090
Date: January, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Acetone can affect you when breathed in and by passing through
your skin.
* Exposure to high concentrations can cause you to become dizzy,
lightheaded, and to pass out.
* Contact can irritate the skin. Repeated exposure may cause
dryness.
* Contact can cause severe skin burns.
* Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
* Acetone is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Acetone is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used as a
solvent and to manufacture other chemicals.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Acetone is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, NFPA, DOT and
EPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is FLAMMABLE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA
1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling
results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing
any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to
recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with
you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 13 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
1,000 ppm averaged over an 8 hour work shift. NIOSH: The
recommended airborne exposure limit is 250 ppm averaged
over a 10 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 750 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 1,000 ppm as a STEL
(short term exposure limit).
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limits listed above.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Acetone and at
the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Acetone to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Acetone:
* Contact can irritate the eyes or skin.
* Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
* High concentrations can cause you to become dizzy,
lightheaded, and to pass out.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Acetone and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Acetone has not been tested for
its ability to cause cancer in animals.
Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Acetone has not been tested for
its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* High exposure may damage the liver and kidneys.
* Repeated skin contact with the liquid can cause dryness and
irritation of the skin.
* Long term exposure can cause chronic nose and throat
irritation.
* This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine
whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated
exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based
chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may
include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes
(withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances,
reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying
internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms
and legs (weakness, "pins and needles").
MEDICAL TESTING
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Acetone can be measured in the blood, urine, and expired air,
and has been used as an index of exposure.
* Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood
(irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise
and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and
peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline
individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following controls are recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Acetone from drums
or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by
NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Ketones
#78 173.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Acetone should
change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Acetone.
* On skin contact with Acetone, immediately wash or shower to
remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any
areas of the body that may have contacted Acetone, whether or
not known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Acetone is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Acetone. Wear solvent resistant gloves
and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can
provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing
material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
* ACGIH recommends Butyl Rubber as a protective material.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid Acetone, unless full facepiece respiratory
protection is worn.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* Where the potential exists for exposures near or over 250 ppm,
use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an
organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is
obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying
respirators.
* If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator,
you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Acetone, or in the
case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye
irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the
respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the
filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good,
you may need a new respirator.
* Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace.
You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges,
or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical
(such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals.
* Where the potential for higher exposures exists, use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full
facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a
full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode,
or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or
other positive pressure mode.
* Exposure to 20,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 20,000 ppm
exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or
other positive pressure mode.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Acetone you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* Acetone must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZING
MATERIALS (such as PEROXIDES, CHLORATES, PERCHLORATES,
NITRATES, and PERMANGANATES) and ACIDS, since violent
reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area away from HEAT, SPARKS, and FLAME.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Acetone is used, handled, or stored in a
manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of Acetone should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be
equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and
flame arresters.
* Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Acetone.
Common Name: Acetone
DOT Number: UN 1090
DOT Emergency Guide code: 26
CAS Number: 67-64-1
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY - 3
REACTIVITY - 0
----------------------------------------
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
----------------------------------------
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Acetone is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. Use
water to keep fire exposed containers cool.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE,.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Acetone is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Ventilate area of spill or leak.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* Keep Acetone out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because
of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is
designed to prevent the build up of explosive concentrations.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Acetone as a
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for
specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 266 mm Hg at 77oF (25oC)
Flash Point: 1.4oF (17.0oC)
Water Solubility: Miscible
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
2-Propanone
Other Names and Formulations:
Dimethylformaldehyde; Dimethyl Ketone; Methyl Ketone.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid with a somewhat aromatic
odor. It is widely used as a solvent for paint, varnish, lacquers,
inks, adhesives, and heatseal coatings. It is also used extensively
as a chemical intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and
plastic or resin materials. It may enter the environment from
industrial or municipal waste treatment plant discharges or spills.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Acetone has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Acetone has
caused membrane damage, size decrease, and germination decrease in
various agricultural and ornamental crops. Insufficient data are
available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of acetone
to birds and land animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Acetone has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient
data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of
acetone to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Acetone is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000
milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Acetone is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of
between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of
time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About
50% of acetone will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up
in the water.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
The concentration of acetone found in fish tissues is expected to
be about the same as the average concentration of acetone in the
water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA,
Phytotox.
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