Inhaled: Vapour is moderately irritating to mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may result in drunkenness,
(see effects of swallowing above) or headache, nausea, in-coordination, narcosis (sleepiness) and vomiting. Early signs or symptoms may occur at airborne levels of 1000 to 5000ppm.
Chronic: Long Term Effects: Ongoing or repeated exposures at high concentrations may cause central nervous symptoms similar to “swallowed” above. Deliberate inhalation of the vapour (sniffing) is a known risk.
Long term exposure by swallowing or repeated inhalation, may cause degenerative changes in the liver and other organs.
Exposure to acetone in the work setting may add to any health effects caused by intake of alcoholic drinks, particularly in regard to narcotic and liver effects.
Acetone is not regarded as being carcinogenic and is not listed by NOHSC as a carcinogen or mutagen.