Acetone is a liquid which in the industrial world is often used as a solvent. In the human body, acetone is one of the constituents of ketones which is the result of a fat breaking reaction.
In the body, the formation of acetone can be used as an indication that the cells in the body are experiencing insulin deficiency or disrupted the effectiveness of the use of insulin and glucose in the body. One condition where this can occur is diabetes. Another factor that can also increase acetone levels in the body is when fasting and doing strenuous physical activity.
One characteristic of acetone as a liquid is that it is volatile. Another feature of acetone is flammable and colorless. This compound has a smell like mint leaves and has a spicy taste.
In addition to the human body, naturally, compounds with the chemical formula C3H6O can be found in plants, trees, volcanic gases, and as a result of forest fires. Human behavior that can cause the presence of acetone is cigarette smoke, residual motor vehicle fumes, and the final disposal of rubbish or waste storage.
Acetone use
In everyday life, acetone is used as a solvent for various other substances. Some products that can be dissolved by acetone are paint, oil, wax, resin, plastic, and glue.
Other uses of this substance are as a material for making plastics, fibers, medicines, rayon cloth, photographic films, powder without acids, and chemicals for laboratory purposes. Another use of acetone in daily life is for cleaning and drying.
In the home and cosmetic industry, the use of acetone is also distributed in various products. The products that commonly use these substances are household cleaning products, detergents, rubber cement, nail polish cleaners, paint cleaners, waxes, polish, and rubber adhesives.
Acetone Can Make Someone Poisoned
Although commonly used as material for household, beauty, and industrial purposes, acetone can also cause harmful effects to the body. Acetone poisoning is called ketoacidosis which occurs when the amount of acetone in the body exceeds the normal threshold.
The poisoning of this substance can be caused by acetone which comes from the body or from the environment. What comes from inside the body occurs when the number of ketones in the body is too high. Certain medical conditions also allow the body to experience ketoacidosis.
Metabolic disorders in the body such as in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, allow the formation of excess acetone in the body. This happens especially when glucose levels are not well controlled. Not only metabolic disease, someone who is starving or fasting in the long run is also more at risk of ketoacidosis.
When long-term hunger occurs, carbohydrate intake in the body runs out so that the cells in the body begin to break down fat reserves into ketones to produce energy. Ketone levels will soar that the liver cannot process it. This will cause ketones in the blood to overflow and ketoacidosis occurs.
Acetone poisoning can also occur when this substance is inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Acetone can enter the body if someone inhales cigarette smoke. Another method that allows acetone to enter the body is if someone is exposed to isopropyl alcohol which is commonly used as a solvent or for medical purposes. The presence of isopropyl alcohol in the body can turn into acetone.
Some products that contain acetone and are familiar for household use can also be a medium for ketoacidosis. Food and drinks consumed may contain acetone. This can happen when the house is located in a location that releases excessive acetone emissions, such as highways and waste storage or landfill.
People who work in factories manufacturing paints, plastics, shoes, synthetic fibers, and chemicals also face the risk of exposure to acetone. Workers who use paint, solvents, glue, and cleaning products can also experience the same thing.
This is the Result of Acetone Poisoning
Luckily, it's very rare for someone to have acetone poisoning. The human body has the ability to naturally break down acetone. Even though in large numbers, the human body can still process it.
Acetone poisoning can occur if a person swallows or inhales this substance in large quantities and in a short time. If mild poisoning occurs, the sufferer can experience headaches, lethargy, sweet taste in the mouth, slurred speech, and reduced body coordination.
Severe symptoms of acetone poisoning can include low blood pressure, fainting, and coma. Other consequences that can occur are eye irritation, respiratory irritation, respiratory distress, seizures, and even death. Immediately contact a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
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