Acetone

Acetone is a man made chemical that is also found naturally in the environment. It is a colorless liquid with a distinct smell and taste. It evaporates easily, is flammable, and dissolves in water. Acetone is used to make plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals. It is also used to dissolve other substances.A large percentage of the acetone released during its manufacture or use goes into the air. In air, about one-half of the total amount breaks down from sunlight or other chemicals every 22 days. It moves from the atmosphere into the water and soil by rain and snow. It also moves quickly from soil and water back to air. Acetone doesn't bind to soil or build up in animals. It's broken down by microorganisms in soil and water. It can move into groundwater from spills or landfills. It occurs naturally in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, and as a product of the breakdown of body fat. It is present in vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites. Industrial processes contribute more acetone to the environment than natural processes.Acetone does not cause skin cancer in animals when applied to the skin. Studies of workers exposed to it found no significant risk of death from cancer. Swallowing very high levels of acetone can result in unconsciousness and damage to the skin in your mouth. Skin contact can result in irritation and damage to your skin.Methods are available to measure the amount of acetone in your breath, blood, and urine. The test can tell you how much acetone you were exposed to, although the amount that people have naturally in their bodies varies with each person. The tests can't tell you if you will experience any health effects from the exposure. The EPA requires that spills of 5,000 pounds or more of acetone be reported.