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Acetone poisoning

Dimethyl formaldehyde poisoning; Dimethyl ketone poisoning; Nail polish remover poisoning

Acetone is a chemical used in many household products. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing acetone-based products. Poisoning may also occur from breathing in fumes or absorbing it through the skin.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911) or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

The poisonous ingredients include:

  • Acetone
  • Dimethyl formaldehyde
  • Dimethyl ketone

Where Found

Acetone can be found in:

  • Nail polish remover
  • Some cleaning solutions
  • Some glues, including rubber cement
  • Some lacquers

Other products may also contain acetone.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of acetone poisoning or exposure in different parts of the body.

HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS (CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM)

  • Low blood pressure

STOMACH AND INTESTINES (GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM)

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in belly area
  • Person may have a fruity odor
  • Sweet taste in mouth

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Feeling of drunkenness
  • Coma (unconscious, unresponsive)
  • Drowsiness
  • Stupor (confusion, decreased level of consciousness)
  • Lack of coordination

BREATHING (RESPIRATORY) SYSTEM

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Slowed breathing rate
  • Shortness of breath

URINARY SYSTEM

  • Increased need to urinate

Home Care

Seek medical help right away. Do not make a person throw up unless the poison control center or a health care provider tells you to.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

  • The person's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed

Poison Control

The local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also get online poison help now at Poisonhelp.org. Just enter the product, poison, or medicine to get expert help.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

Your provider will measure and monitor the your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated. You may receive:

  • Blood tests
  • Breathing support, including oxygen, a tube through the mouth into the throat, and attachment to a breathing machine (ventilator)
  • Chest x-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Intravenous fluids (IV, fluids given through a vein)
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Tube through the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

Accidentally drinking small amounts of acetone/nail polish remover is unlikely to harm you as an adult. However, even small amounts can be dangerous to your child, so it is important to keep this and all household chemicals in a safe place.

If the person survives past 48 hours, the chances for recovery are good.

Open References

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) website. Toxicological profile for acetone. wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=5&tid=1. Reviewed July 30, 2022. Accessed April 16, 2025.

Nelson LS, Calello DP. Acute poisoning. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 96.

Nelson ME. Toxic alcohols. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 136.

 

Review Date: 4/8/2025

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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