Acetone
GHS hazards
Classification
Flammable liquid, Category 2; Serious eye irritation, Category 2; Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, Category 3 (drowsiness or dizziness)
Hazard statements
- H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
- H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Key precautionary statements
- P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- P233 Keep container tightly closed.
- P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
- P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
- P261 Avoid breathing vapors.
- P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
Exposure limits
The federal OSHA PEL of 1000 ppm is four times the NIOSH REL and the ACGIH TLV of 250 ppm, so many employers manage to the lower value. NIOSH sets the IDLH at 2500 ppm because that is 10% of the lower explosive limit. Cal/OSHA is notably stricter than federal OSHA: 500 ppm TWA, 750 ppm STEL and 3000 ppm ceiling. No skin notation is assigned. State OSHA plans may set different limits.
Physical properties
- Appearance: Colorless liquid
- Odor: Fragrant, mint-like
- Molecular weight: 58.1
- Boiling point: 133°F (56°C)
- Freezing point: -140°F (-96°C)
- Flash point: 0°F (-18°C)
- Autoignition temperature: 869°F (465°C)
- Explosive limits: LEL 2.5%, UEL 12.8%
- Vapor pressure: 180 mmHg at 68°F (20°C)
- Specific gravity: 0.79
- Water solubility: Miscible
Health effects
Inhalation
Irritates the nose and throat. Higher concentrations cause headache, dizziness and drowsiness, and very high levels depress the central nervous system.
Skin
Removes natural oils from the skin. Repeated contact can cause dryness, cracking and dermatitis.
Eyes
Causes serious eye irritation.
Ingestion
Swallowing is a recognized exposure route. Get medical attention immediately if swallowed.
Target organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
Personal protective equipment
Gloves
Butyl rubber gloves for direct contact or spill cleanup (breakthrough over 4 hours per manufacturer SDS). Nitrile gloves are suitable for incidental splash only and should be changed right away after contact.
Eyes and face
Chemical safety goggles or protective eyeglasses meeting 29 CFR 1910.133.
Respiratory
Not normally needed with good ventilation. Above exposure limits, use a NIOSH-approved respirator with organic vapor cartridges (up to 2500 ppm). Use a self-contained breathing apparatus for emergencies or unknown concentrations.
Clothing
Wear protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Remove clothing promptly if it becomes wet, because it is a fire hazard. Wash skin when contaminated.
Storage and handling
Store in an approved flammable liquid cabinet or flammables area. Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from heat, sparks and flame.
Ground and bond containers during transfer. Use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment, prevent static discharge and make sure ventilation is adequate.
Keep away from
- Oxidizers
- Acids
Spill response
- Remove all ignition sources and ventilate the area.
- Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment, and prevent static discharge.
- Soak up the liquid with an inert absorbent and place it in closed containers for disposal.
- Keep the liquid out of drains and waterways.
- For larger spills, follow ERG Guide 127.
First aid
If inhaled
Move the person to fresh air. Give artificial respiration if they are not breathing. Get medical attention if symptoms occur.
On skin
Wash immediately with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing.
In eyes
Rinse immediately with plenty of water, including under the eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention.
If swallowed
Rinse the mouth with water. Get medical attention immediately.
In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. For poisoning advice in the US, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Firefighting
Suitable extinguishing media
- Alcohol-resistant foam
- Carbon dioxide
- Dry chemical
- Water spray, also used to cool closed containers
Special hazards
Vapors are heavier than air and can travel to a distant ignition source and flash back. Closed containers may burst when heated. Do not use a solid water stream, which can spread the fire; water alone may not put it out.
Regulations
- OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Hazardous chemical. Labels and safety data sheets are required.
- OSHA Flammable Liquids (29 CFR 1910.106): Class IB flammable liquid.
- OSHA Air Contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1): PEL 1000 ppm (2400 mg/m³) TWA.
- CERCLA (40 CFR 302.4): Hazardous substance, reportable quantity 5000 lb (2270 kg).
- EPCRA Section 313 (TRI): Removed from the toxic chemical list in 1995 (60 FR 31643); no TRI reporting.
- EPA VOC definition (40 CFR 51.100(s)): Exempt from the federal VOC definition because of negligible photochemical reactivity.
- DOT (49 CFR 172.101): UN1090, Acetone, Class 3, Packing Group II.
Sources
This library is a general reference compiled from public sources such as the NIOSH Pocket Guide, OSHA and PubChem. It does not replace the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet for the product you use, which may differ by grade, concentration or supplier. Always check the SDS and current regulations before handling a chemical.
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