ACETONE IN THE WORKPLACE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TEAM TO STAY SAFE

From nail salons to large-scale manufacturing plants, acetone is everywhere. This colourless, volatile solvent plays a crucial role across industries - from dissolving resins and cleaning electronics to formulating pharmaceuticals. But while it’s common, acetone is far from harmless.

So, what is acetone, really? And more importantly, how can you protect yourself and your team from its hidden dangers? Let’s break it down.

What Is Acetone Used For?

Acetone (C3H6O) is a fast-evaporating solvent known for its effectiveness in breaking down substances like paint, glue, oil, and grease. It’s used for a wide variety of functions in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, electronics and personal care industry.

• Manufacturing
  Acetone is used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and industrial adhesives.
• Pharmaceuticals
  It plays a role in formulating medications by acting as a solvent during production.
• Electronics
  The solvent is commonly used to clean and prepare electronic components.
• Personal Care
  Acetone is a key ingredient in nail polish remover and other cosmetic products.

With so many acetone uses, it’s no wonder global demand keeps rising. But the same properties that make acetone so useful also make it risky.

The Hidden Hazards of Acetone

Many workers are unaware of the hazards of acetone, especially with repeated or prolonged exposure. Here’s what you need to know about the risks it poses:

• Skin and Eye Irritation
  Acetone can dry out and irritate the skin, sometimes causing cracking and peeling. Its vapors can also irritate the eyes, leading to redness or discomfort.
• Respiratory Issues
  Breathing in acetone vapors can irritate your throat and lungs, which may escalate to more serious symptoms with long-term exposure.
• Nervous System Effects
  High levels of acetone inhalation can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, and nausea. Over time, these neurological effects can become more severe.

Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and skin cracking can all be traced back to acetone health risks. And here’s something many overlook: Acetone doesn’t just pose a threat when inhaled, it can also be absorbed directly through the skin.

How to Handle Acetone Safely

When working with volatile substances like acetone, safety begins with the right precautions. This includes:

• Wearing the correct PPE, including acetone-resistant gloves, goggles, and respirators, to prevent skin and respiratory exposure.
• Storing acetone in tightly sealed, labelled containers away from heat, sparks, and incompatible chemicals.
• Working in a well-ventilated area with local exhaust systems and air quality monitoring to control vapor levels.

Why You Need to Rethink Acetone Safety Practices

Workplace exposure to acetone isn’t just theoretical. According to OSHA data, 4 in 10 acetone-related incidents result in fatalities. That’s a staggering statistic, especially for a substance so widely used.

Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, or personal care, the message is clear: understanding acetone risks and taking the right precautions while using appropriate PPE is not optional, it’s essential.