Understanding Acetone: Uses, Risks and Safety Precautions

Understanding acetone: Uses, risks and safety precautions

April 3, 2026
By Ansell, for the Blue Print

Acetone is a versatile chemical found naturally in the environment and produced industrially for various applications. Known for its colourless appearance and distinct, sweet odour, acetone (chemical formula: C₃H₆O) is the simplest ketone and plays a crucial role in several industries.[1].

Key uses of acetone

One of the most significant applications of acetone is as a solvent. In 2024, approximately 36.2% of acetone is projected to be used for this purpose.[2] Common industries using acetone include: [2]

Electronics: In the electronics industry, acetone is crucial for cleaning and degreasing electronic components. It ensures that surfaces are free from contaminants, which can affect performance and reliability.
Manufacturing: Acetone is used in the production of plastics, resins, and lacquers. It is also a key ingredient in the formulation of adhesives and coatings, providing the necessary properties for effective bonding.

The chemical industry is the largest consumer of acetone, responsible for 68.4% of its global use in 2021, underscoring its importance in chemical and industrial processes.[2]

Health effects of acetone exposure

While small amounts of acetone are metabolised harmlessly by the liver, moderate to high levels of exposure can pose health risks. The short-term effects of exposure can vary but commonly include: [3] [5]

Eyes effects: Acetone vapours can irritate the eyes and at high concentration can lead to a blurred vision

Respiratory system effects: Acetone vapours can irritate the respiratory system.

Neurological Effects: Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion may occur.

Digestive effects: Higher concentrations can lead to nausea, vomiting

Skin Effects: Skin irritation, and, with repeated or prolonged contact, acetone has a degreasing effect on the skin. It may cause redness, peeling, and cracking.

Absorption through the skin: Insights from Fukabori study

A study conducted by Fukabori et al. in 1990 explored the absorption of acetone through the skin, revealing critical findings about its impact on the body. The study applied acetone to participants' skin for 2 hours per day over four days, which resulted in detecting traces in the blood, alveolar air, and urine. The results showed that: [4]

Increased Exposure Time: Doubling exposure time to four hours per day more than doubled the acetone levels in the body.
Inhalation Equivalence: Dermal exposure for two to four hours mirrored the effects of inhaling acetone over two hours.

These findings emphasize the importance of using protective equipment, such as gloves, to limit dermal contact, given how readily acetone is absorbed through the skin.

Market and industry trends

The acetone market remains robust, with global sales reaching $6.95 billion in 2023. [6] This growth is driven by the chemical sector's demand for acetone in solvents and consumer products.[6] As industries continue to expand, the demand for acetone is projected to rise, positioning it as an indispensable component of modern manufacturing.

Conclusion

Acetone's versatility and functionality make it an invaluable asset across various industries. As the acetone market continues to grow, both employers and employees must remain vigilant about safety practices to protect against the potentially harmful effects of this powerful chemical. By doing so, industries can harness acetone’s benefits while prioritising the health and well-being of those handling it.

Sources

Content originally from Ansell. Reused here with permission.