Acetone

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Your body synthesizes acetone everyday during the breakdown of fats to create energy for the body1, but do you know what it really is? Acetone is a chemical compound that has a ketone group, is colourless, has a strong odour, and is mostly used for dissolving properties. Acetone also mixes very easily with other compounds; this is also a reason why is dissolves other chemicals very well! Don't worry though, in the small doses that are found in your body, acetone is harmless.

If you have ever used nail polish remover, paint remover, or even cleaning products the chances of exposure to acetone is very high. You are also more likely to be exposed to acetone if you live near busy roads, because there is acetone in the fuel exhaust, or if you are exposed to cigarette smoke1. Almost all acetone that your body comes in contact with should be gone within three days1. Interestingly enough, if you are on a low-fat diet the body will compensate by producing more acetone for the same amount of body fat1.

If you are exposed to acetone longterm or in large amounts the side effects can be anywhere from irritation to the nose, throat, ears, and eyes, to confusion and dizziness which will eventually lead to unconsciousness1. Most of the time it is easily detectable through smell or taste so don't worry if you start to feel these symptoms, just leave the area. Although, there is evidence that if an individual is exposed to high levels of acetone, there will be an increase of certain enzymes in the body, which help the breakdown of natural substances, this eventually makes the body more sensitive to chemicals so be aware1!

The production of acetone can lead to some trace amounts of molecules that are considered cancerous2. This occurs when it is made with phenol because benzene is considered a carcinogen. If you are worried about the possibly harmful effects there are other alternatives! Although I would not be too worried about the side effects because the chance of long-term exposure are low.

References

1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2015). Public Health Statement for Acetone. Retrieved October 26, 2016 from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/PHS/PHS.asp?id=3&tid=1
2. Acetone MSDS. (2013). Retrieved on October 26, 2016, from http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927062