Acetone Chemicals: First Aid Measures for Overexposure

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Acetone is a naturally occurring and synthesized organic compound whose scientific formula was discovered in 1832 by chemists Jean-Baptiste Dumas and Justus von Liebig. Since then, acetone chemicals have been used for various purposes around the globe, with fingernail polish removal being the most popular application.

Acetone chemicals work like a dream for stripping away tough layers of dry fingernail polish. When formulated as industrial strength solvents, the chemicals can Also remove many other substances, including: a variety of glues, oil and grease, accretions on glass and porcelain, and various types of accumulations on laboratory glassware.

Acute Overexposure

Along with acetone’s remarkable ability to remove coatings comes the possibility of overexposure to the chemical compound. Acetone is not considered toxic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic, but it can still cause negative health effects if workers receive too much exposure.

Below are four first aid measures you can take to combat acute overexposure to acetone chemicals. Please note that these measures are for exposure to acetone and may need to be expanded when acetone is blended with other chemicals that carry their own risks.

  1. Inhalation

Acute overexposure to acetone from inhalation seems to cause the most effects, particularly: nose and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and fainting. Workers who experience these symptoms should be moved to a fresh air environment. If symptoms don’t resolve quickly, professional medical attention should be sought.

  1. Eye Contact

Overexposure to acetone chemicals can make your eyes red, sore, and teary. Effects can usually be banished quickly by flushing the eyes with a gentle stream of warm water for about 20 minutes, without first removing contact lenses. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical attention.

  1. Skin Contact

Acute overexposure seldom causes skin problems, except mild irritation. If acetone is spilled on a worker, affected clothing should be discarded and washed thoroughly. Then, affected skin should be washed with a gentle stream of warm water for roughly five minutes. If the irritation causes pain or persists after skin is washed, get professional medical attention.

  1. Ingestion

Acetone is seldom ingested, but when it happens to be swallowed in large amounts, effects mirror those for overexposure by inhalation. Washing out the mouth with warm water can reduce discomfort. Seek medical attention if the worker has a severely upset stomach or feels generally unwell.

About Ecolink

Ecolink has years of experience in supplying environmentally safe and environmentally preferred industrial cleaning solvents. Our customers are companies and organizations that have industrial, solvent-based applications that require the use of eco friendly solvents.

In addition to offering a wide selection of stock products, we also provide custom blends that are tailored to your unique requirements. To ensure a solvent works as expected for your needs, we offer free samples, so you can try before you buy.

For more information about acetone chemicals, please call us today at 800-563-1305, or send us an email at info@ecolink.com. We look forward to helping you choose the best solutions for your solvent applications!

Reasons to Start Searching for Acetone Alternatives

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Reasons to Start Searching for Acetone Alternatives

Acetone (a.k.a., propanone) is an organic compound that is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid. Acetone was first formulated in the Middle Ages. Since then, it has gone on to be used in a variety of industrial and residential applications. There was a time when it seemed like almost every maintenance department and handyman’s garage contained a drum of acetone.

However, cetone, although still quite popular among businesses and consumers as a general cleaner, has fallen out of favor with many users due to the reasons below. If you use acetone, these are reasons to start searching for acetone alternatives that exhibit a better safety profile.

Negative Health Effects

According to healthline.com, “Acetone poisoning can occur when there’s an abnormally high amount of ketones [in the body]. This is a condition known as “ketoacidosis.” Metabolic diseases, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, can result in ketoacidosis if glucose levels aren’t properly managed.” Signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include: nausea and vomiting,

Abdominal pain, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, and marked confusion.

Highly Flammable Formulation

Acetone has a low flashpoint of ?20 °C (?4 °F). This means that the cleaner should be used in environments that few if any ignition sources, and it should be stored in an environment where sparks, flames and unexpected arc flashes are absent or strategically prevented from contacting containers of acetone. Damage from a fire that acetone causes in a facility can be corrected. The same isn’t always true for workers who receive serious burns from the volatile compound.

State Reporting Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t consider acetone to be a hazardous air pollutant (HAP). There’s no guarantee it won’t happen in the future. But, for now, there’s not an unavoidable legal reason to phase out the popular cleaner. However, certain states, such as Ohio, have reporting requirements for the use of acetone. Be sure to read your state’s literature on the use of acetone, especially before you deploy it in large quantities.

Federal Reporting Requirements 

The compound is not considered a carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), but other organizations have established reporting requirements for cetone use, including: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). For some companies and organizations, the bothersome reporting requirements are motivation enough to start searching for acetone alternatives. 

Searching for Acetone Alternatives?

If so, Ecolink has a wide range of cleaning solutions that deliver the same efficacy as acetone but lack some of the compound’s most undesirable qualities, such as a low flashpoint, potential to cause health problems due to exposure, and few, if any, regulated reporting requirements.

To get started on evaluating drop-in acetone alternatives, give us a call today at (800) 563-1305, or use our contact form. We look forward to providing you with an environmentally preferred cleaner in the form of a stock solvent or a custom formulation that’s tailored to your cleaning operations. Visit us today to find out more!

 

 

Acetone: An Economically Efficient Powder Coating Equipment Cleaner

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Using Acetone as a Inexpensive Solvent to Clean Powder Coating and for Surface Preparation

powder coating sprayer

Coating system providers often dedicate their full attention to providing the highest quality and environmentally responsible products in their industry, a goal shared by us here at Ecolink. Powder coating products often contain no hazardous waste and have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants) content, in order to meet today’s environmental demands. We have seen customers maximize transfer efficiency with up to 98% product utilization for coating operations, which in plain English means less product gets wasted during the coating process. With powder coatings, waste is further reduced since over sprayed material can still be re-used. Ecolink has provided cleaning products to the liquid and powder coating industry for many years and we want to show our support to the industry by offering chemical solutions with equal environmentally preferred specifications.

Recently we’ve noted the application of Acetone in cleaning equipment used for transportation and performance powder coatings. Acetone is an effective solvent for general cleaning and, unlike many alternatives, keeps overhead low. It is one of the least regulated options available while still remaining a safe choice.

Interested in spending less on Acetone? Call (800) 563-1305 to speak with a representative or email us at acetone@ecolink.com.

Surface Preparation and Equipment Cleaning

Acetone is a mild solvent that is proficient at cleaning critical surfaces of metal, plastic, and composite materials for powder coating color preparation. Additionally, it can be used to sanitize coating equipment before and after operations and remove powder coatings when needed. This product is commonly applied as a high-strength degreaser and can dissolve contaminants such as grease, paint, and organic substances.

With Great Cleaning Power Comes Great Responsibility

The chemical Acetone is not dangerous, however, it is a solvent and must be handled responsibly. The solution is a colorless liquid that is water soluble. Acetone has a low boiling point meaning it is flammable and should be kept away from heat. Dispose of any excess material properly in a sealed metal container to avoid spontaneous combustion. Acetone is not a hazardous air pollutant but safe handling precautions should be exercised to prevent consumption, inhalation, and absorption. Apply the solvent in an area with proper ventilation and do not use it on items that may dissolve such as fabric.

Purchase Acetone for Your Cleaning Needs Here

Ecolink offers a competitive price for Acetone in bulk with 55 Gallon Drums under $500! 5 Gallon Pails are available with low minimum quantities. Call (800) 563-1305 for aditional information or send an email to acetone@ecolink.com.

Why You Should Rethink Purchasing Acetone From a Reseller

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Using a distributor is the first choice for many businesses to purchase industrial supplies since it is both convenient and consolidates purchasing. However, there are several benefits to be had by buying directly from the resellers’ provider that you should be aware of.

Acetone Resellers

Are You Buying Acetone Cleaner Through One of These Distributors? We have a deal for you!

If you are purchasing commodity chemicals like Acetone from any of these national distributors, you may have considered who they’re sourcing from, and if it is possible for you to use the same supplier. The answer is yes! Ecolink saves you time by cutting out the middle man and helps your bottom line by avoiding distributor markups. We sell our products through these companies because they are good at what they do, but there are times when the benefits make buying direct the superior option. In the case of a chemical like Acetone, we guarantee you will enjoy the savings.

Call (800) 563-1305 to learn more about commodity chemicals offered by Ecolink or email us at acetone@ecolink.com.

Getting Pure Acetone Cleaner for Less

One 55 gallon barrel of Acetone can be purchased for $451 in our online shop. If you browse reseller pricing, you will see 55-gallon drums selling at prices up to 5x our current rate! Why pay more for the exact same product? Our pricing has remained consistent and we’re able to pass the savings to you by avoiding markups that result from products passing through too many channels. We also have low minimums for customers that need less.

Industrial Solvent: What You Need, When You Need It

Knowing how vital it is to have the tools you need to operate when you need them, we believe it’s important to be aware that most resellers do not keep products like Acetone in stock. By ordering directly with Ecolink, you will benefit from same day shipping and reduced freight costs. In addition, communicating directly with the supplier can add value to customers who need more accurate, real-time information on the products and their use.

Understanding the benefits of buying direct will help you make a more informed decision about your chemical solvent purchasing. If you need to talk to one of our chemical advisors, you can reach us at 800-563-1305 or at acetone@ecolink.com. If you would like to purchase Acetone from our shop, click on the links below:

?Acetone | 55 Gallon Drum                 ?Acetone | 5 Gallon Pail