Acetone is a chemical used to make products such as nail polish remover and paint remover. Your body also makes this chemical when it breaks down fat.
Acetone is safe in normal amounts, but too much of it could be a problem. Here’s what you need to know.
Acetone in Your Body
Your body uses sugar, or glucose, for energy. After you eat, the hormone insulin moves glucose out of your bloodstream into your cells. If your body doesn't make enough insulin or you eat very few carbs, you can't use glucose for fuel. So, your body burns fat instead.
Acetone and ketones
As your liver breaks down stored fat, it makes chemicals called ketones. Acetone is one of these ketones.
When fat is your body's primary source of fuel, you make extra ketones; having too many is called ketosis.
Some types of ketosis are more dangerous than others. Nutritional ketosis, the kind that can happen when you’re on a very low-carb diet, is a relatively normal state that can lead to weight loss for some people. But in people who have diabetes, ketones can build up to much higher levels in the blood, leading to a dangerous complication called ketoacidosis.
Acetone and other extra ketones in your body show up in your urine. If you have diabetes that isn't well controlled, your doctor might test your urine for ketones. A positive test could be indicate that you need extra insulin to control your blood sugar.
Acetone the Chemical
Acetone is also a chemical that's found in nature, as well as in many products you might use at home. All of these things release acetone:
- Trees and other plants, forest fires
- Volcanoes
- Landfills
- Car exhaust
- Tobacco
What is acetone used for?
Acetone is a solvent, which means it can break down or dissolve substances such as paint and varnish. That's why it's an ingredient in nail polish removers, varnish removers, and paint removers. Companies also use this chemical to remove grease from wool, reduce the stickiness of silk, and make protective coatings for furniture and cars. Because it can dissolve sticky substances, you can use it at home to spot-clean hard surfaces such as tile or granite.
Acetone Health Risks
You can be exposed to low levels of acetone simply by breathing, but the amount is so small that it's not harmful.
Other ways you can be exposed to acetone:
- Working in an industry that uses it
- Eating food or drinking water that's been contaminated by acetone
- Through smoking or second-hand smoke
- Using products with acetone around your home
Products that have acetone are safe to use when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The chemical is very flammable, so you need to avoid using things such as paint and nail polish remover near open flames.
When you're exposed to acetone, it enters your bloodstream. As long as the amount is small, your liver can process it into harmless chemicals. Acetone also can irritate your skin upon contact, resulting in dryness or cracking.
Inhaling acetone
Breathing in large amounts of acetone can cause health problems such as:
- Nose, eye, and lung irritation
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fast heart rate
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
Swallowing acetone
If you swallow a large amount of acetone, you might experience:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Fast pulse
- Changes in your blood cells
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
Long-term exposure
Researchers have mostly studied the long-term effects of acetone exposure in animals, so it's not clear how it might affect humans. In animals, long-term exposure to acetone damages the kidneys and liver and causes nerve damage. It also may cause birth defects and male infertility in animals.
How to Prevent Health Problems
If you have diabetes, take your medicine exactly as prescribed to prevent ketone spikes. Try not to miss any doses. Regularly check your blood sugar level, and adjust your insulin dose when needed. Work with your doctor and a dietitian to get the right amount of carbohydrates in your diet.
Cigarette smoke releases acetone into the air. You can reduce your exposure to this chemical by not smoking or being around anyone who smokes.
When you use products that have acetone such as nail polish remover or paint remover, stay in well-ventilated areas. And if you get any of this chemical on your skin, wash it off.
If you or your child swallows acetone, get help from a poison control center. In the U.S., you can go to the National Capital Poison Center online or call 1-800-222-1222. The poison center will ask you:
- The name, age, and weight of the person who swallowed acetone
- The name of the product
- How much was swallowed
- How long ago it was swallowed
Don't try to make the person who swallowed acetone vomit unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.
If someone has swallowed acetone, they might smell sweet or fruity.
Takeaways
Acetone is a chemical used in products such as nail polish remover and other solvents. Your body also makes it when you burn fat. Acetone is a type of ketone. If too many ketones build up in your body, that can cause problems, especially if you have diabetes. Acetone products are generally safe to use as long as you follow directions. Breathing in too much acetone or swallowing it, however, can cause health problems.
Acetone FAQs
What causes the buildup of acetone in the body?
Your body produces acetone when it breaks down fat.
What is the role of acetone in the human body?
Your body uses acetone to make energy.
What organs are affected by acetone?
Acetone can affect your blood and nervous systems. It also can affect your kidneys, eyes, reproductive system, and lungs.
What does it mean when you have acetone in your urine?
If you have acetone in your urine, that means your body is burning fat rather than glucose for energy. A small amount of acetone in your urine is nothing to worry about. Your body might burn fat for energy when you're sleeping, fasting, or eating a low-carb diet. But a high level of acetone in your urine can be dangerous. It may be a sign that you're in ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening.
