Acetone is a clear, colorless liquid widely recognized as a highly effective solvent, commonly found in products like nail polish remover and paint thinners. Its ability to dissolve a variety of substances makes it indispensable in both consumer products and industrial manufacturing. Understanding the specific warnings on its container is paramount for preventing accidents and ensuring safety. Federal standards require chemical manufacturers to label products with hazard information that communicates the most significant dangers to the user. This standardized labeling system identifies the physical and health risks associated with acetone.
Identifying the Primary Hazard Label
The most prominent hazard classification for acetone, according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, is Flammability. This designation is visually communicated by the GHS02 pictogram, a diamond-shaped symbol featuring a flame over a horizontal line. Manufacturers must also include the signal word “Danger” on the label, which is reserved for the most severe hazard categories. Acetone is specifically classified as a Flammable Liquid, Category 2, identifying it as a substance presenting a high risk of fire. This Category 2 status is assigned to liquids with an extremely low flash point, meaning they can ignite at or below room temperature.
Understanding the Flammability Risk
Acetone earns its Category 2 classification due to its physical properties, specifically its high volatility and very low flash point, approximately -20°C (or -4°F). This low temperature means that acetone is nearly always giving off ignitable vapors under normal working and storage conditions. The true danger lies with the vapor, not the liquid itself, as the vapor is what actually burns. Acetone vapor is heavier than air, causing it to travel along the floor and collect in low-lying areas, potentially reaching a distant ignition source. If the vapor finds a spark, flame, or hot surface, the fire can “flash back” along the vapor trail to the liquid source, and the vapor can form an explosive mixture with air when its concentration is between 2.5% and 12.8% by volume.
Secondary Hazard Classifications
While flammability is the primary concern, acetone also carries secondary health hazard classifications. These risks are communicated by the GHS07 pictogram, an exclamation mark inside a red diamond, which indicates moderate health hazards. Acetone is classified as causing Serious Eye Irritation, Category 2A, meaning direct contact can lead to pain, redness, and tearing. It is also classified for Specific Target Organ Toxicity—Single Exposure, Category 3, relating to effects on the central nervous system. Inhaling high concentrations of the vapor can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness, and repeated liquid exposure can cause skin dryness due to its strong degreasing properties.
Practical Safety and Handling
Understanding the hazard labels translates directly into practical safety measures for handling acetone. Because of the extreme flammability, all ignition sources must be eliminated from the work area, including open flames, sparks, and hot surfaces. Users should employ non-sparking tools and take precautions against static electricity, which can generate enough energy to ignite the vapor. Acetone should only be used in areas with adequate ventilation, ideally outdoors or under a fume hood, to prevent vapor buildup and control the risk of eye irritation. Containers must be kept tightly closed and stored in a cool area away from incompatible materials to suppress vaporization.