Acetone

Interpretive data for breath acetone

WEL: 500 ppm (8h TWA)

Other names: 2-propanone

Context

This information sheet provides interpretation of breath solvent values obtained using the Bio-VOC™ breath sampler. Further information regarding the implementation of a biological monitoring strategy can be found in HSE's 'Biological monitoring in the workplace booklet.

Sampling

Samples should be taken approximately 10 minutes post-shift in a  'clean' area, such as medical room, office or canteen.  Refer to the Breath Sampling Instructions for details of how to take samples.

Interpretation

The HSL Bio-VOC sampler has been used in a field study looking at multiple solvent exposure of workers in the shoe manufacturing industry.  A reasonable correlation (r = 0.69) was obtained between breath and urine acetone levels.  Using this correlation and existing American ⁽¹⁾ and German ⁽²⁾ biological monitoring guidance values for urine acetone, it is estimated that breath acetone levels of 3700 nmol/l and 5800 nmol/l would be expected equivalents of the American and German values, respectively.  Breath acetone is a normal constituent of breath and levels can increase after fasting or in diabetics.  Background levels of acetone in unexposed, non-diabetic people are generally less than 80 nmol/l ^(3,4).

Recommendations

• Breath acetone levels below 100 nmol/l are within the background range for unexposed persons and indicate no significant acetone exposure.
• If breath acetone levels are below 1000 nmol/l and exposure is uniform throughout the shift, exposure is likely to be below the WEL.  A suggested biological monitoring strategy is once yearly, providing no change in working practices.
• If breath acetone levels exceed 1000 nmol/l, peak levels of exposure may approach the WEL.  Analysis of a post-shift urine sample for acetone is recommended to give a more quantitative result.
• If breath acetone levels exceed 4000 nmol/l, it is likely that acetone exposure exceeds the WEL for at least part of the shift.  A routine monitoring strategy using urinary acetone measurements is recommended.
• If exposure is intermittent, task-related sampling is recommended. Breath samples should be taken within 10 minutes of completing tasks with the potential for high exposure.

Other Biological Monitoring

Other means of biological monitoring include acetone in urine (for which there are international guidance values^1,2.

Exposure Control

Acetone can be absorbed by inhalation.

References

1. Biological Exposure Indices 201 2. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
2. List of MAK and BAT values 2012.  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
3. Fenske JD, Paulson SE. J Air Waste Manag Assoc. 1999 May;49(5):594-8.
4. Wang G, Maranelli G, Perbellini L, Raineri E, Brugnone F. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1994;65(5):285-9.