Acetone

Updated: February 13th, 2010 |

HEALTH CONCERNS
Is this chemical a carcinogen?	Studies have not determined whether or not acetone can cause cancer.
How can it affect me?	It can easily catch fire and is highly flammable.Small amounts of acetone will not hurt you. Breathing moderate to high amounts of acetone for a short amount of time can cause: headaches dizziness confusion a faster pulse nausea vomiting Acetone is believed to exhibit only slight toxicity in normal use, and there is no strong evidence of chronic health effects if basic precautions are followed. Like many other solvents, may depress the central nervous system if breathed in high concentrations. In one documented case, ingestion of a substantial amount of acetone led to systemic toxicity, although the patient eventually fully recovered. Studies on animals determined that long-term exposure to acetone damages the kidneys, liver and nerves. Birth defects and male reproductive problems were other results. It is not known if these same health problems would occur in humans.
Are there controversial issues?	None found.