Acetone, commonly known for its presence in nail polish remover, also plays a role in illicit drug manufacturing. This article explores how and why acetone is used in these processes, its natural presence in the human body, and associated health risks.
Understanding Acetone
Acetone is a colorless, volatile, and highly flammable liquid with a distinct odor. It is also known as 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone, the simplest ketone. Acetone mixes readily with water and serves as an effective solvent.
These properties make it useful in a variety of everyday products and industrial applications. For instance, acetone is a primary ingredient in many nail polish removers, paint thinners, and varnish removers. It is also used in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, other chemicals, and for degreasing textiles.
Acetone’s Role in Illicit Drug Manufacturing
In the context of illicit drug production, acetone is primarily used as a solvent for extraction, purification, and crystallization processes. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic materials makes it valuable for isolating desired compounds and removing impurities. Acetone is typically employed in the manufacturing stage and is not an active ingredient or a cutting agent in the final product intended for consumption.
For example, in the production of methamphetamine, acetone is used as a “wash” to purify the final product, removing unwanted residues and byproducts from the synthesis process. This washing step can make the methamphetamine appear cleaner. Similarly, in cocaine manufacturing, acetone is utilized to remove impurities and excess reactants. Acetone may also be used as a reaction medium, dissolving both reactants and products to facilitate chemical reactions necessary for drug synthesis.
Acetone in the Body
Acetone is naturally present in the human body as a byproduct of metabolism, specifically from the breakdown of fat. It is a ketone body produced, primarily in the liver. Small quantities of acetone are normally found in blood and urine, and it is also exhaled in breath.
Levels of endogenous acetone can increase under certain conditions, such as prolonged fasting, starvation, or uncontrolled diabetes, where the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. Exogenous acetone can enter the body through inhaling fumes, ingesting contaminated food or water, or through skin contact. The liver metabolizes small amounts of acetone into non-harmful compounds, and it is primarily excreted through the lungs and, to a lesser extent, in urine.
Health Risks of Acetone Exposure
Exposure to acetone, particularly in high concentrations, can pose health hazards. Acute effects from inhaling moderate to high levels of acetone vapor can include irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. Higher exposures can lead to drowsiness, unconsciousness, or even coma. Swallowing large amounts of acetone, such as from household products, can cause symptoms like a fruity-smelling breath, low blood pressure, lethargy, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness, and can also damage the gastrointestinal tract.
Skin contact with acetone can cause dryness, irritation, and cracking. While acetone is generally considered to have low toxicity in normal use, prolonged or chronic exposure, especially in occupational settings, may lead to more severe issues. Animal studies have indicated potential kidney, liver, and nerve damage, as well as effects on reproductive health, though it is not known if these effects would occur in humans at similar exposures. The presence of residual solvents like acetone in illicitly manufactured drugs adds to the dangers, as users may be unknowingly exposed to these chemicals.