PetrolGator wrote:Thanks, Jon.
Now, here's a question: If the stuff is so toxic to the hands, WHY do our women use it on their fingers?
It has long been speculated that this is where crazy cat ladies come from.
All kidding aside. There are odorless alternatives that I've never explored. Odorless does not mean less toxic. Prolonged exposure to the stuff is hazardous. Seems like it absorbs into the skin pretty easy. But here is what I found out...
This site is helpful:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemical ... etone.html
critical data taken from the site:
What are the most important things to know about acetone in an emergency?
Emergency Overview: Clear colourless volatile liquid. Sweet odour. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. IRRITANT. Causes moderate or severe eye irritation.
What are the potential health effects of acetone?Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation. Skin contact. Eye contact.
�Inhalation: Can irritate the nose and throat. At high concentrations: can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness.
�Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation. Can be absorbed through the skin, but harmful effects are not expected.
�Eye Contact: EYE IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include sore, red eyes, and tearing. The vapour also irritates the eyes.
�Ingestion: Not harmful. If large amounts are ingested: Can cause effects as described for inhalation.
�Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. May harm the nervous system. Conclusions cannot be drawn from the limited studies available.
�Carcinogenicity: Not known to cause cancer.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Not specifically evaluated.
American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): A4 - Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
�Teratogenicity / Embryotoxicity: Not known to harm the unborn child.
�Reproductive Toxicity: Not known to be a reproductive hazard.
�Mutagenicity: Not known to be a mutagen.
What are first aid measures for acetone?
Inhalation:Take precautions to prevent a fire (e.g. remove sources of ignition). Move victim to fresh air. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Thoroughly clean clothing, shoes and leather goods before reuse or dispose of safely.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If a contact lens is present, DO NOT delay flushing or attempt to remove the lens. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.
Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.
First Aid Comments: All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.
What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for acetone?
Flammable Properties: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Can ignite at room temperature. Releases vapour that can form explosive mixture with air. Can be ignited by static discharge. Even dilute solutions in water may be flammable.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates. Use water to keep non-leaking, fire-exposed containers cool.
Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Vapour may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents.In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; very toxic, flammable formaldehyde; corrosive acetic acid; and other chemicals.
[quote="PetrolGator"]Thanks, Jon.
Now, here's a question: If the stuff is so toxic to the hands, WHY do our women use it on their fingers?[/quote]
It has long been speculated that this is where crazy cat ladies come from.
All kidding aside. There are odorless alternatives that I've never explored. Odorless does not mean less toxic. Prolonged exposure to the stuff is hazardous. Seems like it absorbs into the skin pretty easy. But here is what I found out...
This site is helpful:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/acetone.html
critical data taken from the site:
[color=#BF0000][b]What are the most important things to know about acetone in an emergency? [/b][/color]
Emergency Overview: Clear colourless volatile liquid. Sweet odour. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. IRRITANT. Causes moderate or severe eye irritation.
[color=#800000][b]What are the potential health effects of acetone?[/b][/color]Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation. Skin contact. Eye contact.
�Inhalation: Can irritate the nose and throat. At high concentrations: can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness.
�Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation. Can be absorbed through the skin, but harmful effects are not expected.
�Eye Contact: EYE IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include sore, red eyes, and tearing. The vapour also irritates the eyes.
�Ingestion: Not harmful. If large amounts are ingested: Can cause effects as described for inhalation.
�Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. May harm the nervous system. Conclusions cannot be drawn from the limited studies available.
�Carcinogenicity: Not known to cause cancer.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Not specifically evaluated.
American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): A4 - Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
�Teratogenicity / Embryotoxicity: Not known to harm the unborn child.
�Reproductive Toxicity: Not known to be a reproductive hazard.
�Mutagenicity: Not known to be a mutagen.
[b][color=#800000]What are first aid measures for acetone?[/color][/b]
Inhalation:Take precautions to prevent a fire (e.g. remove sources of ignition). Move victim to fresh air. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Thoroughly clean clothing, shoes and leather goods before reuse or dispose of safely.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If a contact lens is present, DO NOT delay flushing or attempt to remove the lens. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.
Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.
First Aid Comments: All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.
[b][color=#800000]What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for acetone?[/color][/b]
Flammable Properties: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Can ignite at room temperature. Releases vapour that can form explosive mixture with air. Can be ignited by static discharge. Even dilute solutions in water may be flammable.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates. Use water to keep non-leaking, fire-exposed containers cool.
Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Vapour may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents.In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; very toxic, flammable formaldehyde; corrosive acetic acid; and other chemicals.