Agent Name |
Acetone |
CAS Number |
67-64-1 |
Formula |
C3-H6-O |
Major Category |
Solvents |
Synonyms |
2-Propanone; Aceton [German, Dutch, Polish]; Acetone; Acetone (natural); Chevron acetone; Dimethyl ketone; Dimethylformaldehyde; Dimethylketal; Ketone propane; Ketone, dimethyl; Methyl ketone; Propanone; Pyroacetic acid; Pyroacetic ether; beta-Ketopropane; [ChemIDplus] UN1090 |
Category |
Ketones |
Description |
Colorless liquid with a fragrant, mint-like odor; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a solvent; used to produce methacrylates; [LaDou, p. 504] |
Exposure Assessment |
BEI |
Acetone in urine = 50 mg/L; end of shift; |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
500 ppm |
STEL (ACGIH) |
750 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
1000 ppm |
MAK |
500 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
2500 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Volunteers experienced slight irritation at 300 ppm but 500 ppm was tolerated [Nelson et al. 1943]. Eye irritation, headache, lightheadedness, nasal irritation, and throat irritation were noted in workers exposed to concentrations considerably in excess of 1,000 ppm and perhaps as high as 6,500 ppm [Raleigh and McGee 1972]. No indications of toxicity were reported following exposures to 2,100 ppm for 8 hours/day [Haggard et al. 1944]. |
Vapor Pressure |
232 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
3.6 ppm |
Odor Threshold High |
653 ppm |
RD50 |
23480 ppm |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) =50,100 mg/m3/8H |
Explanatory Notes |
IDLH 10% LEL (lower explosive limit; Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 62 ppm); Flash point = -18 deg C: |
Half Life |
Blood: 3 hours; whole body: 19-31 hours; [TDR, p. 17] |
Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Acetone |
Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
Adverse Effects |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ACETONE
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