ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ACETONE (CH3COCH3) UN No. 1090; Hazchem 2[Y]E
SYNONYMS
Dimethylformaldehyde, dimethylketal, dimethyl ketone, ketone
propane, betaketopropane, methyl ketone, propane, 2-propane,
2propanone, pyroacetic acid, pyroacetic ether, 1Bketopropane.
CHARACTERISTICS
Aliphatic ketone, colourless liquid with characteristic odour.
Extremely flammable, vapours are heavier than air and may travel
a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back.
May be ignited by heat, spark or flame. Containers may explode
in the heat of a fire. Vapour hazards from explosion exist
indoors, and outdoors where a runoff to sewers has occurred.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Acetone is incompatible with:
Acetic acid possibility of explosion.
Chloroform violent reaction in the presence of a base.
Chromium trioxide ignition at ambient temperatures.
Hydrogen peroxide causes explosion.
Nitric acid violent reaction and possible explosion.
Sulphuric acid violent reaction and ignition.
Sulphur dioxide violent reaction.
This is not a complete list of incompatibilities for acetone but
is a list of incompatibilities with the more commonly used
chemicals in the histology laboratory.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Acetone has a low order of toxicity and its effects are not
accumulative. It is readily absorbed into the body by all routes
of exposure. In large doses it is a narcotic and central nervous
system depressant, producing effects similar to but greater than
ethyl alcohol. Inhalation in amounts that will not cause
narcosis causes irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and
respiratory system. Skin exposure causes defatting of the skin
with the subsequent risk of developing dermatitis. Oral toxicity
is low. Persons with chronic respiratory or skin diseases may be
at an increased risk. The effect of alcohol on staff will
enhance the toxic effects of acetone. Acute exposure to skin and
eyes may produce irritation. A splash to the eye may cause
severe irritation. Inhalation can cause an immediate threat to
life with nasal and throat irritation, laryngitis, bronchitis,
coughing and rhinorrhea. Central nervous system symptoms are
headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, confusion, nausea,
incoordination and coma. Ingestion may cause the above symptoms
and in addition gastritis, vomiting, haematemesis, stupor,
twitching, collapse, convulsions and paralysis. Heating produces
toxic oxides of carbon.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Keep away from heat, sparks and flames.
Avoid breathing the vapour.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Keep container closed.
Do not dispose of large quantities down the sink.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Many plastics are unsuitable as storage containers for acetone.
Handle only when using an approved fume hood that is explosion
proof and that will control the level of exposure to below
recommended limits. NH & MRC recommended limits are:
8 hours 15 minutes
750 ppm 1000 ppm
1780 mg/ml 2375 mg/ml
Always wear protective clothing; a long sleeved laboratory coat
or gown, rubber gloves (PVC, neoprene or nitrile) and safety
goggles as a minimum requirement. If exposure levels are going
to be high then use an approved aspirator.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and shoes then wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has disappeared (approximately 15 minutes). Wash
contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes if a splash to the eye occurs immediately flush the eye
with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical
has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). Seek medical
advice.
Inhalation remove the patient to fresh air immediately. If
breathing has stopped apply artificial respiration. If breathing
is difficult give oxygen. Get medical advice.
Ingestion if the patient is conscious rinse the mouth with
water and give two to four glasses of water to drink. Induce
vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat or by
administering syrup of ipecac. Seek immediate medical attention.
Never give a drink to, or attempt to induce vomiting in an
unconscious person.
STORAGE
Store in a well ventilated, cool and dry atmosphere away from
any heat source. Store in drums or safety cans with identifying
labels which indicate clearly the highly flammable nature of the
contents. Do not store close to incompatible materials.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
Spills: absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
Package lots: atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
ENVIRONMENT:
Acetone is harmful to aquatic life therefore contamination of
waterways must be avoided.
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